US8890805B2 - Mobile terminal and mode controlling method therein - Google Patents

Abstract

A mobile terminal including a communication unit; a memory configured to store at least first and second operating systems including at least first and second modes, respectively; and a controller configured to display, in a first display region of a display unit of the mobile terminal, a first application indicator corresponding to a first application executable in the first mode using the first operating system and that can be activated by selecting the first application indicator, to display, in a second display region, a second application indicator corresponding to a second application executable in the second mode using the second operating system and that can be activated by selecting the second application indicator. Further, the first and second application indicators indicate whether the applications are executable in the first mode or the second mode, or executable in both the first and second modes.

Description

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Application No. 10-2011-0050668, filed on May 27, 2011, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and corresponding method for displaying different application indicators in different modes.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Generally, terminals can be classified into mobile/portable terminals and stationary terminals. The mobile terminals can be classified into handheld terminals and vehicle mount terminals again according to possibility of user's direct portability.

As functions of the terminal are diversified, the terminal is implemented as a multimedia player provided with composite functions such as photographing of photos or moving pictures, playback of music or moving picture files, game play, broadcast reception and the like for example.

A demand for using the mobile terminal for personal needs or for business needs separately keeps rising. However, the related art mobile terminal does not provide an environment in which the mobile terminal can be separately used for personal and business needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal and mode controlling method therein that substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal and corresponding mode controlling method for displaying information corresponding to modes on display regions corresponding to the modes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile terminal and corresponding mode controlling method therein for executing and displaying a first application operated in a first mode to be operated in a second mode.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention provides in one aspect a mobile terminal including a communication unit configured to communicate with at least one external terminal; a memory configured to store at least first and second operating systems including at least first and second modes, respectively; and a controller configured to display, in a first display region of a display unit of the mobile terminal, a first application indicator corresponding to a first application executable in the first mode using the first operating system and that can be activated by selecting the first application indicator, and to display, in a second display region, a second application indicator corresponding to a second application executable in the second mode using the second operating system and that can be activated by selecting the second application indicator. Further, the first and second application indicators indicate whether the applications are executable in the first mode or the second mode, or executable in both the first and second modes.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of controlling a mobile terminal, and which includes allowing, via a communication unit of the mobile terminal, communication with at least one external terminal; storing, in a memory of the mobile terminal, at least first and second operating systems including at least first and second modes, respectively; displaying in a first display region of a display unit of the mobile terminal a first application indicator corresponding to a first application executable in the first mode using the first operating system and that can be activated by selecting the first application indicator; and displaying in a second display region of the display unit, a second application indicator corresponding to a second application executable in the second mode using the second operating system and that can be activated by selecting the second application indicator. Further, the first and second application indicators indicate whether the applications are executable in the first mode or the second mode, or executable in both the first and second modes.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a front perspective diagram of a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a rear perspective diagram of a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A to 3C are block diagrams of components for controlling a plurality of modes and switching of the modes according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A to 4C are block diagrams of components for operating a plurality of operating systems and modes according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A to 10C are display screens illustrating discriminating a plurality of modes according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 12A to 12C are first display screens designating a display region per mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are second display screens designated a display region per mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are display screens illustrating adjusting a size of a display region according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 15A to 15C are display screens illustrating a plurality of mode screens on a plurality of display regions, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 16A to 16C are display screens illustrating switching between a multimode screen and a single mode screen according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 17A to 17E are display screens illustrating receiving a touch and drag action from an application indicator of a first display region to a second display region, if an application of the first display region is supported in a second mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 18A to 18C are display screens illustrating receiving a touch and drag action from an application indicator of a first display region to a second display region, if an application of the first display region is not supported in a second mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 19A to 19C are display screens illustrating receiving a touch and drag action from a widget of a first display region to a second display region, if the widget of the first display region is supported in a second mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a display screen illustrating identifiably displaying application/widget, which can be generated in a different mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 21A and 21B are display screens illustrating receiving a touch and drag action from a random point of a first display region to a second display region, if an application corresponding to an application executed screen of the first display region is supported in a second mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 22A and 22B are display screens illustrating receiving a touch and drag action from a random point of a first display region to a second display region, if a data/content of the first display region is supported in a second mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 23A to 23C are display screens illustrating receiving a touch and drag action from a page corresponding to a first display region to a page corresponding to a second display region, if the first display region and the second display region are generated from different pages, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 24A to 24C are display screens illustrating performing an authentication procedure when generating information corresponding to a first display region in a second mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 25A to 25E are display screens illustrating generating an application/widget, which is displayed on a prescribed display region, in a different mode using a shift indicator according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 26A to 26C are display screens illustrating displaying a virtual indicator of an application and executing the application using the same according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawing figures which form a part hereof, and which show by way of illustration specific embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood by those of ordinary skill in this technological field that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural, electrical, as well as procedural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

First, mobile terminals described in this disclosure can include a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcast terminal, a PDA (personal digital assistant), a PMP (portable multimedia player), a navigation system and the like. With the exception of a mobile terminal only, the configurations described in this disclosure are applicable to such a stationary terminal as a digital TV, a desktop computer and the like.

First,FIG. 1 is a block diagram of amobile terminal100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 1, themobile terminal100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes awireless communication unit110, an A/V (audio/video)input unit120, auser input unit130, asensing unit140, anoutput unit150, amemory160, aninterface unit170, acontroller180, apower supply unit190 and the like.FIG. 1 shows themobile terminal100 having various components, but all of the illustrated components are not required. Greater or fewer components may alternatively be implemented.

Thewireless communication unit110 generally includes one or more components which permits wireless communication between themobile terminal100 and a wireless communication system or network within which themobile terminal100 is located. For instance, thewireless communication unit110 can include abroadcast receiving module111, amobile communication module112, awireless internet module113, a short-range communication module114, a position-location module115 and the like.

Thebroadcast receiving module111 receives a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information from an external broadcast managing server via a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel.

The broadcast managing server generally refers to a server which generates and transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information or a server which includes a previously generated broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information and then transmits the provided signal or information to a terminal. The broadcast signal may be implemented as a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal, among others. If desired, the broadcast signal may further include a broadcast signal combined with a TV or radio broadcast signal.

Further, the broadcast associated information includes information associated with a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, a broadcast service provider, etc. In addition, the broadcast associated information can be provided via a mobile communication network. In this instance, the broadcast associated information can be received by themobile communication module112.

The broadcast associated information can be implemented in various forms. For instance, broadcast associated information may include an electronic program guide (EPG) of digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) and electronic service guide (ESG) of digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H).

Thebroadcast receiving module111 may be configured to receive broadcast signals transmitted from various types of broadcast systems. In a non-limiting example, such broadcasting systems include digital multimedia broadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T), digital multimedia broadcasting-satellite (DMB-S), digital video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H), the data broadcasting system known as media forward link only (MediaFLO®) and integrated services digital broadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T). Optionally, thebroadcast receiving module111 can be configured suitable for other broadcasting systems as well as the above-explained digital broadcasting systems.

The broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information received by thebroadcast receiving module111 may be stored in a suitable device, such as amemory160. In addition, themobile communication module112 transmits/receives wireless signals to/from one or more network entities (e.g., base station, external terminal, server, etc.). Such wireless signals may represent audio, video, and data according to text/multimedia message transceivings, among others.

Thewireless internet module113 supports Internet access for themobile terminal100. This module may be internally or externally coupled to themobile terminal100. In this instance, the wireless Internet technology can include WLAN (Wireless LAN) (Wi-Fi), Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), etc.

The short-range communication module114 facilitates relatively short-range communications. Suitable technologies for implementing this module include radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra-wideband (UWB), as well as the networking technologies commonly referred to as Bluetooth and ZigBee, to name a few. Further, the position-location module115 identifies or otherwise obtains the location of themobile terminal100. If desired, this module may be implemented with a global positioning system (GPS) module.

Referring toFIG. 1, the audio/video (A/V)input unit120 is configured to provide audio or video signal input to themobile terminal100. As shown, the A/V input unit120 includes acamera121 and amicrophone122. Thecamera121 receives and processes image frames of still pictures or video, which are obtained by an image sensor in a video call mode or a photographing mode. In addition, the processed image frames can be displayed on thedisplay unit151.

The image frames processed by thecamera121 can be stored in thememory160 or can be externally transmitted via thewireless communication unit110. Optionally, at least twocameras121 can be provided to themobile terminal100 according to environment of usage.

Themicrophone122 receives an external audio signal while the portable device is in a particular mode, such as phone call mode, recording mode and voice recognition. This audio signal is processed and converted into electric audio data. The processed audio data is transformed into a format transmittable to a mobile communication base station via themobile communication module112 when in call mode. Themicrophone122 typically includes assorted noise removing algorithms to remove noise generated in the course of receiving the external audio signal.

Theuser input unit130 generates input data responsive to user manipulation of an associated input device or devices. Examples of such devices include a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., static pressure/capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch, etc.

Thesensing unit140 provides sensing signals for controlling operations of themobile terminal100 using status measurements of various aspects of the mobile terminal. For instance, thesensing unit140 may detect an open/close status of themobile terminal100, relative positioning of components (e.g., a display and keypad) of themobile terminal100, a change of position of themobile terminal100 or a component of themobile terminal100, a presence or absence of user contact with themobile terminal100, orientation or acceleration/deceleration of themobile terminal100. As an example, consider themobile terminal100 being configured as a slide-type mobile terminal. In this configuration, thesensing unit140 may sense whether a sliding portion of the mobile terminal is open or closed. Other examples include thesensing unit140 sensing the presence or absence of power provided by thepower supply190, the presence or absence of a coupling or other connection between theinterface unit170 and an external device. In addition, thesensing unit140 can include aproximity sensor141.

Theoutput unit150 generates outputs relevant to the senses of sight, hearing, touch and the like. In addition, theoutput unit150 includes thedisplay unit151, anaudio output module152, analarm unit153, ahaptic module154, aprojector module155 and the like.

Thedisplay unit151 is typically implemented to visually display (output) information associated with themobile terminal100. For instance, if the mobile terminal is operating in a phone call mode, the display will generally provide a user interface (UI) or graphical user interface (GUI) which includes information associated with placing, conducting, and terminating a phone call. As another example, if themobile terminal100 is in a video call mode or a photographing mode, thedisplay unit151 may additionally or alternatively display images which are associated with these modes, the UI or the GUI.

Thedisplay module151 may be implemented using known display technologies including, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic light-emitting diode display (OLED), a flexible display and a three-dimensional display. Themobile terminal100 may include one or more of such displays.

Some of the above displays can be implemented in a transparent or optical transmittive type, which can be named a transparent display. As a representative example of the transparent display, there is TOLED (transparent OLED) or the like. A rear configuration of thedisplay unit151 can be implemented in the optical transmittive type as well. In this configuration, a user can see an object in rear of a terminal body via the area occupied by thedisplay unit151 of the terminal body.

At least twodisplay units151 can be provided to themobile terminal100 in accordance with the implemented configuration of themobile terminal100. For instance, a plurality of display units can be arranged on a single face of themobile terminal100 by being spaced apart from each other or being built in one body. Alternatively, a plurality of display units can be arranged on different faces of themobile terminal100.

When thedisplay unit151 and a sensor for detecting a touch action (hereinafter called ‘touch sensor’) configures a mutual layer structure (hereinafter called ‘touchscreen’), it can use thedisplay unit151 as an input device as well as an output device. In this instance, the touch sensor can be configured as a touch film, a touch sheet, a touchpad or the like.

The touch sensor can be configured to convert a pressure applied to a specific portion of thedisplay unit151 or a variation of a capacitance generated from a specific portion of thedisplay unit151 to an electric input signal. Moreover, it can configure the touch sensor to detect a pressure of a touch as well as a touched position or size.

If a touch input is made to the touch sensor, signal(s) corresponding to the touch is transferred to a touch controller. The touch controller processes the signal(s) and then transfers the processed signal(s) to thecontroller180. Therefore, thecontroller180 can know whether a prescribed portion of thedisplay unit151 is touched.

Referring toFIG. 1, aproximity sensor141 can be provided to an internal area of themobile terminal100 enclosed by the touchscreen or around the touchscreen. Theproximity sensor141 is the sensor that detects a presence or non-presence of an object approaching a prescribed detecting surface or an object existing around the proximity sensor using an electromagnetic field strength or infrared ray without mechanical contact. Hence, the proximity sensor has durability longer than that of a contact type sensor and also has utility wider than that of the contact type sensor.

Theproximity sensor141 can include one of a transmittive photoelectric sensor, a direct reflective photoelectric sensor, a mirror reflective photoelectric sensor, a radio frequency oscillation proximity sensor, an electrostatic capacity proximity sensor, a magnetic proximity sensor, an infrared proximity sensor and the like. When the touchscreen includes the electrostatic capacity proximity sensor, it is configured to detect the proximity of a pointer using a variation of electric field according to the proximity of the pointer. In this instance, the touchscreen (touch sensor) can be classified as the proximity sensor.

In the following description, for clarity, an action that a pointer approaches without contacting with the touchscreen to be recognized as located on the touchscreen is named ‘proximity touch’. In addition, an action that a pointer actually touches the touchscreen is named ‘contact touch’. The meaning of the position on the touchscreen proximity-touched by the pointer means the position of the pointer which vertically opposes the touchscreen when the pointer performs the proximity touch.

Theproximity sensor141 detects a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (e.g., a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch duration, a proximity touch position, a proximity touch shift state, etc.). In addition, information corresponding to the detected proximity touch action and the detected proximity touch pattern can be output to the touchscreen.

Theaudio output module152 functions in various modes including a call-receiving mode, a call-placing mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode and the like to output audio data which is received from thewireless communication unit110 or is stored in thememory160. During operation, theaudio output module152 outputs audio relating to a particular function (e.g., call received, message received, etc.). Theaudio output module152 is often implemented using one or more speakers, buzzers, other audio producing devices, and combinations thereof.

Thealarm unit153 is output a signal for announcing the occurrence of a particular event associated with themobile terminal100. Typical events include a call received event, a message received event and a touch input received event. Thealarm unit153 can output a signal for announcing the event occurrence by way of vibration as well as video or audio signal. The video or audio signal can be output via thedisplay unit151 or theaudio output unit152. Hence, thedisplay unit151 or theaudio output module152 can be regarded as a part of thealarm unit153.

Thehaptic module154 generates various tactile effects that can be sensed by a user. Vibration is a representative one of the tactile effects generated by thehaptic module154. Strength and pattern of the vibration generated by thehaptic module154 are controllable. For instance, different vibrations can be output by being synthesized together or can be output in sequence.

Thehaptic module154 can generate various tactile effects as well as the vibration. For instance, thehaptic module154 generates the effect attributed to the arrangement of pins vertically moving against a contact skin surface, the effect attributed to the injection/suction power of air though an injection/suction hole, the effect attributed to the skim over a skin surface, the effect attributed to the contact with electrode, the effect attributed to the electrostatic force, the effect attributed to the representation of hold/cold sense using an endothermic or exothermic device and the like.

Thehaptic module154 can be implemented to enable a user to sense the tactile effect through a muscle sense of finger, arm or the like as well as to transfer the tactile effect through a direct contact. Optionally, at least twohaptic modules154 can be provided to themobile terminal100 in accordance with the corresponding configuration type of themobile terminal100.

Theprojector module155 is the element for performing an image projector function using themobile terminal100. In addition, theprojector module155 can display an image, which is identical to or partially different at least from the image displayed on thedisplay unit151, on an external screen or wall according to a control signal of thecontroller180.

In particular, theprojector module155 can include a light source generating light (e.g., laser) for projecting an image externally, an image producing mechanism for producing an image to output externally using the light generated from the light source, and a lens for enlarging to output the image externally in a predetermined focus distance. In addition, theprojector module155 can further include a device for adjusting an image projected direction by mechanically moving the lens or the whole module.

Theprojector module155 can be classified into a CRT (cathode ray tube) module, an LCD (liquid crystal display) module, a DLP (digital light processing) module or the like according to a device type of a display means. In particular, the DLP module is operated by the mechanism of enabling the light generated from the light source to reflect on a DMD (digital micro-mirror device) chip and can be advantageous for the downsizing of theprojector module151.

Preferably, theprojector module155 can be provided in a length direction of a lateral, front or backside direction of themobile terminal100. In addition, it is understood that theprojector module155 can be provided to any portion of themobile terminal100 according to the necessity thereof.

Thememory unit160 is generally used to store various types of data to support the processing, control, and storage requirements of themobile terminal100. Examples of such data include program instructions for applications operating on themobile terminal100, contact data, phonebook data, messages, audio, still pictures, moving pictures, etc. In addition, a recent use history or a cumulative use frequency of each data (e.g., use frequency for each phonebook, each message or each multimedia) can be stored in thememory unit160. Moreover, data for various patterns of vibration and/or sound output when a touch input to the touchscreen can be stored in thememory unit160.

Thememory160 may be implemented using any type or combination of suitable volatile and non-volatile memory or storage devices including hard disk, random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic memory, flash memory, magnetic or optical disk, multimedia card micro type memory, card-type memory (e.g., SD memory, XD memory, etc.), or other similar memory or data storage device. In addition, themobile terminal100 can operate in association with a web storage for performing a storage function of thememory160 on Internet.

Theinterface unit170 is often implemented to couple themobile terminal100 with external devices. Theinterface unit170 receives data from the external devices or is supplied with the power and then transfers the data or power to the respective elements of themobile terminal100 or enables data within themobile terminal100 to be transferred to the external devices. Theinterface unit170 may be configured using a wired/wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for coupling to a device having an identity module, audio input/output ports, video input/output ports, an earphone port and/or the like.

The identity module is the chip for storing various kinds of information for authenticating a use authority of themobile terminal100 and can include User Identify Module (UIM), Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) and/or the like. A device having the identity module (hereinafter called ‘identity device’) can be manufactured as a smart card. Therefore, the identity device is connectable to themobile terminal100 via the corresponding port.

When themobile terminal110 is connected to an external cradle, theinterface unit170 becomes a passage for supplying themobile terminal100 with a power from the cradle or a passage for delivering various command signals input from the cradle by a user to themobile terminal100. Each of the various command signals input from the cradle or the power can operate as a signal enabling themobile terminal100 to recognize that it is correctly loaded in the cradle.

Thecontroller180 generally controls the overall operations of themobile terminal100. For example, thecontroller180 performs the control and processing associated with voice calls, data communications, video calls, etc. Thecontroller180 may include amultimedia module181 that provides multimedia playback. Themultimedia module181 may be configured as part of thecontroller180, or implemented as a separate component.

Moreover, thecontroller180 can perform a pattern recognizing process for recognizing a writing input and a picture drawing input carried out on the touchscreen as characters or images, respectively. Further, thepower supply unit190 provides power used by the various components for themobile terminal100. The power may be internal power, external power, or combinations thereof.

Various embodiments described herein may be implemented in a computer-readable medium using, for example, computer software, hardware, or some combination thereof. For a hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein may be implemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a selective combination thereof. Such embodiments may also be implemented by thecontroller180.

For a software implementation, the embodiments described herein may be implemented with separate software modules, such as procedures and functions, each of which perform one or more of the functions and operations described herein. The software codes can be implemented with a software application written in any suitable programming language and may be stored in memory such as thememory160, and executed by a controller or processor, such as thecontroller180.

Next,FIG. 2A is a front perspective diagram of themobile terminal100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Themobile terminal100 shown in the drawing has a bar-type terminal body. However, themobile terminal100 may be implemented in a variety of configurations, including folder-type, slide-type, rotational-type, swing-type and combinations thereof. For clarity, further disclosure will primarily relate to a bar-typemobile terminal100. However such teachings apply equally to other types of mobile terminals.

Referring toFIG. 2A, themobile terminal100 includes a case (casing, housing, cover, etc.) configuring an exterior thereof. In the present embodiment, the case can be divided into afront case101 and arear case102. Various electric/electronic parts are loaded in a space provided between the front andrear cases101 and102. Optionally, at least one middle case can be further provided between the front andrear cases101 and102 in addition. Thecases101 and102 are formed by injection molding of synthetic resin or can be formed of metal substance such as stainless steel (STS), titanium (Ti) or the like for example.

Adisplay unit151, anaudio output unit152, acamera121,user input units130/131 and132, amicrophone122, aninterface180 and the like can be provided to the terminal body, and more particularly, to thefront case101. Thedisplay unit151 occupies most of a main face of thefront case101. Theaudio output unit151 and thecamera121 are provided to an area adjacent to one of both end portions of thedisplay unit151, while theuser input unit131 and themicrophone122 are provided to another area adjacent to the other end portion of thedisplay unit151. Theuser input unit132 and theinterface170 can be provided to lateral sides of the front andrear cases101 and102.

Theinput unit130 is manipulated to receive a command for controlling an operation of the terminal100. In addition, theinput unit130 can include a plurality of manipulatingunits131 and132. The manipulatingunits131 and132 can be named a manipulating portion and may adopt any mechanism of a tactile manner that enables a user to perform a manipulation action by experiencing a tactile feeling.

Content input by the first or second manipulatingunit131 or132 can be diversely set. For instance, such a command as start, end, scroll and the like is input to the first manipulatingunit131. In addition, a command for a volume adjustment of sound output from theaudio output unit152, a command for a switching to a touch recognizing mode of thedisplay unit151 or the like can be input to the second manipulatingunit132. Aretractable antenna116 can also be provided.

Next,FIG. 2B is a perspective diagram of a backside of the terminal shown inFIG. 2A. Referring toFIG. 2B, acamera121′ can be additionally provided to a backside of the terminal body, and more particularly, to therear case102. Thecamera121′ has a photographing direction that is substantially opposite to that of theformer camera121 shown inFIG. 21A and may have pixels differing from those of theformer camera121.

Preferably, for instance, theformer camera121 has low pixels enough to capture and transmit a picture of user's face for a video call, while thelatter camera121′ has high pixels for capturing a general subject for photography without transmitting the captured subject. In addition, each of thecameras121 and121′ can be installed at the terminal body to be rotated or popped up.

Aflash123 and amirror124 are additionally provided adjacent to thecamera121′. Theflash123 projects light toward a subject when photographing the subject using thecamera121′. When a user attempts to take a picture of the user (self-photography) using thecamera121′, themirror124 enables the user to view user's face reflected by themirror124.

An additionalaudio output unit152′ can be provided to the backside of the terminal body. The additionalaudio output unit152′ can implement a stereo function together with the formeraudio output unit152 shown inFIG. 2A and may be used for implementation of a speakerphone mode in talking over the terminal.

A broadcastsignal receiving antenna124 can be additionally provided to the lateral side of the terminal body as well as an antenna for communication or the like. Theantenna124 constructing a portion of thebroadcast receiving module111 shown inFIG. 1 can be retractably provide to the terminal body.

Thepower supply unit190 for supplying a power to the terminal100 is provided to the terminal body. In addition, thepower supply unit190 can be configured to be built within the terminal body. Alternatively, thepower supply unit190 can be configured to be detachably connected to the terminal body.

Atouchpad135 for detecting a touch can be additionally provided to therear case102. Thetouchpad135 can be configured in a light transmittive type like thedisplay unit151. In this instance, if thedisplay unit151 is configured to output visual information from its both faces, it can recognize the visual information via thetouchpad135 as well. The information output from both of the faces can be entirely controlled by thetouchpad135. Alternatively, a display is further provided to thetouchpad135 so that a touchscreen can be provided to therear case102 as well.

Thetouchpad135 is activated by interconnecting with thedisplay unit151 of thefront case101. Thetouchpad135 can be provided in rear of thedisplay unit151 in parallel. Thetouchpad135 can have a size equal to or smaller than that of thedisplay unit151.

First, the mobile terminal mentioned in the following description includes at least some of the components shown inFIG. 1. In addition, in order to perform an operation using the components (e.g., touchscreen, wireless communication unit, memory, etc.), thecontroller180 can control an individual operation of each of the components or interconnected operations among a plurality of the components.

Applications mentioned in this disclosure may be embodied as software programs drivable in the mobile terminal. The driven application executes a corresponding function or operation. The application can be stored in the mobile terminal100 (particularly the memory160) or can be downloaded from an external server of an external terminal.

For example, the applications can include a compass, an augmented reality, a camera, a video player, a music player, a game, news, a web browser, a message, a phonebook, a memo, a schedule management, and the like. The allocations are non-limited by this example and can be implemented in various other ways.

Contents or data associated with the applications are possible as well. In this instance, the associated content or data is stored in thememory160 or can be stored in an external server having a storage space. For instance, the contents can include an audio file (associated with the music player), a video file (associated with the video player), a document file (associated with an e-book), and the like. In addition, the data can include a message content (associated with the message), a memo content (associated with the memo), a counterpart information (associated with the phonebook), a schedule content (associated with the schedule management), and the like.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the mobile terminal can configure a plurality of modes differing from each other in application configuration for data security for one mode against another mode or data security between different modes. In addition, the mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention can implement a plurality of the modes selectively or simultaneously (or sequentially).

When a specific application is executed in a prescribed mode, at least one application interoperable with the specific application can be executed in the prescribed mode. For instance, if a specific application is a voice call application, an application interoperable with the voice call operation can include a phonebook, a message and the like.

Regarding mode discrimination in application configuration, an application executable in each of a plurality of modes can include at least one application (hereinafter named a dedicated application) executable by being dedicated to each of a plurality of the modes or at least one application (hereinafter named a common application) executable in any one of a plurality of the modes. In particular, the common application can change at least one feature in each of a plurality of the modes in which the corresponding application is executable. For instance, at least one of configuration, representation, security and the like of the common application is changeable. This shall be described in detail later.

The common application may not change its feature in each of a plurality of the modes in which the corresponding application is executable. For instance, if the common application includes such a basic terminal application as a voice call, a message and the like, it may not change its feature.

For example, if first to third applications are executed in a first mode and if the third application, a fourth application and a fifth application are executed in a second mode, the first and second applications, the third application and the fourth and fifth application can be called the dedicated applications of the first mode, the common application of the first and second modes and the dedicated applications of the second mode, respectively.

A plurality of modes can include a first mode (i.e., a private mode) facilitating user's personal life, a second mode (i.e., a business mode) facilitating a user's work life, and the like. This enables a mobile terminal to be discriminatively used in consideration of a user's personal life (e.g., privacy) and a user's public life (e.g., work life). In particular, in aspect of security reinforcement, when either a private mode or a business mode is implemented, restriction can be put on an access to information corresponding to the other mode.

The above-described private mode and the business mode are just examples for describing a plurality of the modes. If the above-described private mode and the business mode are suitable for the mode discrimination reference mentioned in this disclosure, they are non-limited by their names. Although the mode discrimination of a plurality of the modes is explained in the above description based on the application configuration, it shall be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings later.

Implementation and activation of a plurality of modes mentioned in the description of the present invention shall be defined as follows. First, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a mobile terminal can implement a plurality of modes and can activate one of a plurality of the currently implemented modes. For instance, if a plurality of the modes include a first mode and a second mode, the mobile terminal boots an operating system capable of implementing both of the first and second modes and can then activate the implemented first or second mode selectively.

In particular, if both of the first and second modes are already implemented, the mode for displaying an executed screen on a current screen, the mode for designating the currently executed application, the mode having a high priority or the like can be called an activated mode. In this instance, a non-activated mode (or a deactivated mode) can be regarded as operating as a background despite being implemented in the mobile terminal. In more detail, if an executed screen of the first mode and an executed screen of the second mode are being displayed on a first region and a second region of the screen through screen partition, respectively, the mode selected by a user, the mode for activating the corresponding region currently, the mode for designating a currently executed application, the mode having a high priority or the like can be regarded as activated.

Occasionally, after the mobile terminal has implemented and activated one mode, if the mobile terminal attempts to switch the current mode to the other mode, the mobile terminal can implement and activate the other mode (i.e., selective implementation and activation of mode).

In the following description, implementation of a plurality of modes and operations of components used for inter-mode switching for a plurality of the modes are explained in detail with reference toFIGS. 3A to 4C. In particular,FIGS. 3A to 3C are block diagrams of components used for controlling a plurality of modes and switching of the modes according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram of thecontroller180 for driving a plurality of operating systems (OSs) and con ring a dedicated screen of a plurality of operating systems. In addition,FIG. 3B is a block diagram of ascreen processor185 shown inFIG. 3A. In particular,FIGS. 3A and 3B show a situation in which a plurality of the operating systems are provided in parallel with each other (FIGS.4A(a) and4B).

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of the modes can be implemented by a plurality of the operating systems, respectively. In particular, the operating system for supporting implementation can differ per mode.

Referring toFIG. 3A, thecontroller180 includes thescreen processor185, adriver186, ahypervisor187 and amain processor188. In this instance, thehypervisor187 can be called a virtual engine (virtual machine), a virtualizing module (virtualization), a virtual engine monitor (virtual machine monitor), a virtualization module monitor (virtualization monitor) and the like. This terminology is just exemplary. In addition, a component capable of performing the same function of thehypervisor187 is non-limited by the corresponding terminology.

Further, a frame buffer is provided to each of a plurality of the operating systems stored in thememory160. When the plurality of operating systems are driven, thescreen processor185 receives a frame corresponding to a dedicated screen of the corresponding operating system from each of the frame buffers and then determines whether to display the dedicated screen of a prescribed one of the operating systems on a screen of thedisplay unit151 under the control of themain processor188.

Under the control of themain processor188, thescreen processor185 displays the dedicated screen of the specific operating system on the whole screen of the display unit151 (e.g., when implementing one mode only). Alternatively, thescreen processor185 generates one integrated frame by combining and/or editing the frames received from the frame buffers and can then display an integrated dedicated screen including all the dedicated screens of a plurality of the operating systems (e.g., when implementing a plurality of the modes).

Referring toFIG. 3A, a plurality of theoperating systems OS1, . . . OS N are prepared in parallel with each other, which can be described in detail with reference to FIGS.4A(a) and4B as follows. FIGS.4A(a) and4B show a scheme of booting a plurality of operatingsystems Guest OS1 andGuest OS2 respectively supporting different modes in parallel by loading a hypervisor (hereinafter named a first scheme).

Referring to FIGS.4A(a) and4B, themobile terminal100 can implementGuest OS1 andGuest OS2 selectively, sequentially or simultaneously. In addition, a different mode can be designated to each of theGuest OS1 and theGuest OS2. In this instance, the operation of theGuest OS1 and theGuest OS2 and the corresponding mode activation can be performed by the hypervisor. The components shown inFIG. 4B can perform general operations related to the virtualization engine technology.

Multi-OS booting and mode activation corresponding to the multi-OS booting are described in detail as follows. First, when (1) activating a mode corresponding to the currently bootedGuest OS1 orGuest OS2 or (2) booting theGuest OS1 corresponding to first mode and theGuest OS2 corresponding to a second mode sequentially or simultaneously, the controller180 (particularly, the hypervisor) implements and activates either the first mode or the second mode (2-1) or can activate either the first or second mode despite implementing both of the first and second modes (2-2).

Referring now toFIG. 3B, thescreen processor185 includes alayout manager185aand adisplay driver185b. Under the control of themain processor188, thelayout manager185agenerates one integrated frame by combing or editing the frames received from the frame buffers and thedisplay driver185bthen controls the frame generated by thelayout manager185ato be displayed on thedisplay unit151.

Thedriver186 controls the operating systems to be driven. Further, thehypervisor187 is a middleware between themain processor188 and each of the operating systems and includes a virtualization engine configured to a plurality of the operating systems to be usable in themobile terminal100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, themain processor188 controls all operations related to the driving of a plurality of the operating systems according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As mentioned in the above description, thescreen processor185, thedriver186, thehypervisor187 and themain processor188 can be included in thecontroller180 or can be stored as software in thememory160.

Next,FIG. 3C is a block diagram of thememory160 having a database storage region corresponding to each of a plurality of the modes. According to an embodiment of the present invention, themobile terminal100 can manage the database storage regions of a plurality of the modes discriminatively. In particular, when a plurality of the modes are implemented by the different operating systems, respectively, themobile terminal100 can manage the database storage regions of a plurality of the modes discriminatively.

Generally, when at least one operating system capable of implementing a first mode and a second mode is provided, thememory160 can store an application corresponding to each of the at least one operating system. Therefore, the provided operating systems can be booted selectively or simultaneously under the control of thecontroller180.

For instance, the operating system can include such a commercial OS as Android OS, Linux based OS, Windows Mobile OS, Apple OS and the like. In addition, a dedicated application can be differently set for each of the operating systems. In addition, a multi-OS can include different kinds of operating systems (e.g., Android OS, Apple OS, etc.) and the same kinds of operating systems (e.g., 2.1 version of Android OS, 2.2 version of Android OS, etc.) differing from each other in version.

According to an embodiment of the present invention as shown inFIG. 3C, assuming that both the first mode and the second mode can be implemented, thememory160 can include a first database storage region160(a) corresponding to the first mode, a second database storage region160(b) corresponding to the second mode, and a common database storage region160(c) in common with the first mode and the second mode. Occasionally, the common database storage region160(c) can be omitted. In this instance, a commonly-designated application and content or data associated with the corresponding application can be stored in the database storage region of the corresponding mode.

In particular, in configuring the first, second and common database storage regions, themobile terminal100 uses memories different from each other in hardware as the storage regions, puts restriction on accessing the storage regions per mode despite providing the storage regions within a same memory, or can discriminate the storage regions from each other using a storage partition per mode.

In this instance, the same operating system implements the first mode and the second mode or different operating systems can implement the first mode and the second mode, respectively. Moreover, at least two or modes can be implemented by themobile terminal100. If so, the database storage regions can be further subdivided.

In particular, the first database storage region160(a) can include a region (i.e., a first application region) for storing at least one first application executable in the first mode, a region (i.e., a first content region) for storing a content associated with the first application and a region (i.e., a first data region) for storing data associated with the first application.

In addition, the second database storage region160(b) can include a region (i.e., a second application region) for storing at least one second application executable in the second mode, a region (i.e., a second content region) for storing a content associated with the second application and a region (i.e., a second data region) for storing data associated with the second application.

Moreover, the common database storage region160(c) can include a region (i.e., a common application region) for storing at least one common application executable in both of the first mode and the second mode, a region (i.e., a common content region) for storing a content associated with the common application and a region (i.e., a common data region) for storing data associated with the common application.

When the second mode is a business mode that facilitates a user's public life, information stored in the second database storage region160(b) and information corresponding to the second mode in the common database storage region160(c) can be utilized only if the corresponding information is stored by being shared with acompany server300, the corresponding information is stored in the company server300 (i.e., the second database storage region160(b) is unnecessary) or thecompany server300 is accessed. In this instance, thecompany server300 can include a server of a company, for which a user works, a server of a specific company designated by a user (or a company where the user works), or the like.

While the first mode is activated, themobile terminal100 can utilize the information stored in the first database storage region160(a) and the information corresponding to the first mode in the common database storage region160(c). While the second mode is activated, themobile terminal100 can utilize all the information stored in the first, second and common database storage regions160(a),160(b) and160(c).

Alternatively, while the second mode is activated, themobile terminal100 can utilize the information stored in the first database storage region160(a) and the information corresponding to the second mode in the common database storage region160(c). While the first mode is activated, themobile terminal100 can utilize all the information stored in the first, second and common databases storage regions160(a),106(b) and160(c).

Optionally, themobile terminal100 can be set not to utilize the information on the first mode in the course of the activated second mode. Besides, although the drawing shows that the application region, the content region and the data region are situated in the database storage region, the application region, the content region and the data region can be integrated together if desired.

Next, FIGS.4A(b) and4C show a scheme of driving a hypervisor on a Host OS for supporting one mode to boot a Guest OS for supporting another mode (hereinafter named a second scheme). In particular, a mode supported by the Host OS can include a private mode. In addition, a mode supported by the Guest OS can include a business mode.

In more detail, referring toFIG. 4C, a B2B manager can perform a switching operation between a private mode (hereinafter abbreviated a P mode) and a business mode (hereinafter abbreviated a B mode). Components shown in a P mode region of the two regions partitioned by a dotted line can operate when the private mode is implemented, components shown in the B mode region can operate when the business mode is implemented, and components included in both of the modes can operate in both of the modes.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, themobile terminal100 can implement a plurality of modes on an operating system selectively, simultaneously or sequentially. A different operating system (hereinafter named an individual operating system) is designated to each of a plurality of the modes or a common operating system can be designated to a plurality of the modes. Specifically, implementation of a plurality of the modes can be controlled by thehypervisor187.

In particular, a currently implemented or activated mode in accordance with an individual or common operating system is defined as follows. For clarity and convenience of the following description, assume that a plurality of modes include a first mode and a second mode. At least two or more modes can exist if desired.

First, when a common operating system is booted, thecontroller180 implements and activates either the first mode or the second mode or activates either the first mode or the second mode despite implementing both of the first and second modes.

When an individual operating system is booted, the controller (1) implements and activates a mode corresponding to a currently booted individual operating system, (2) implements and activates a mode corresponding to one of the first mode and the second mode when booting a first operating system corresponding to the first mode and a second operating system corresponding to the second mode sequentially or simultaneously, or (3) activates either the first mode or the second mode despite implementing both of the first mode and the second mode.

The following description describes how to discriminate a plurality of modes from each other. First, according to an embodiment of the present invention, each of a plurality of modes can be discriminated by at least one of a mode indicator, a database storage region, an operating system, a user access authority, an application configuration, a content configuration, a data configuration, an application feature, an application group, a group identifier and the like.

Discriminating a plurality of modes using a mode indicator according to a first embodiment is explained as follows. First, each of a plurality of modes can have an indicator different to indicate a corresponding mode. An indicator per mode is basically stored in themobile terminal100 or can be downloaded from an external server or an external terminal. The indicator per mode is set or selected by a user or can be randomly set by thecontroller180.

For instance, each of a plurality of the modes can have a different one of a mode icon, a mode image, a background image, a background color/brightness, a letter font/color/size, a home screen picture (number of pages and page indicator included), an application arrangement structure (e.g., the number of applications included in one home screen, etc.), an application identifier, an LED color, an alarm sound such as a bell sound and the like, a keypad type (backlight color of keypad included), a mode switching key zone, a group identifier (described later) and the like. These examples of the mode indicator are just exemplary and can include all display elements for discriminating a mode. This is explained in detail with reference toFIGS. 5A to 5D.

For clarity and convenience, the following description assumes the first mode is the private mode and the second mode is the business mode. Either the private mode or the business mode is also assumed to be in an active state.FIGS. 5A to 10C are diagrams for discriminating a plurality of modes according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 5A, if a personal mode is currently activated, themobile terminal100 can display an icon (P mode)501 corresponding to the private mode on a prescribed region of a screen (FIG.5A(a)). If a business mode is currently activated, themobile terminal100 can display an icon (B mode)502 corresponding to the business mode on a prescribed region of a screen (FIG.5A(b)).

Referring toFIG. 5B, themobile terminal100 includes a mode switchingkey region510 provided to a prescribed region of the screen. If the private mode is currently activated, themobile terminal100 can discriminatively display a zone (P)511 corresponding to the private mode in the mode switching key region510 (FIG.5B(a)). If the business mode is currently activated, themobile terminal100 can discriminatively display a zone (B)512 corresponding to the business mode in the mode switching key region510 (FIG.5B(b)).

Referring toFIG. 5C, aprivate mode zone521, abusiness mode zone522 and a switchingcommand zone523 are provided to the screen of themobile terminal100. If the private mode is currently activated, themobile terminal100 can discriminatively display the private mode zone (P)521 (FIG.5C(a)). If the business mode is currently activated, themobile terminal100 can discriminatively display the business mode zone (B)522 (FIG.5C(b)).

Referring toFIG. 5D, if the private mode is currently activated, themobile terminal100 can display anannouncement window531 for announcing events (e.g., email, message, call, etc.) occurring in association with the business mode or the number of the events (or, occurrence time, counterpart information, etc.) on a prescribed region of the screen (FIG.5D(a)). If the business mode is currently activated, themobile terminal100 can display anannouncement window532 for announcing events (e.g., email, message, call, etc.) occurring in association with the private mode or the number of the events (or, occurrence time, counterpart information, etc.) on a prescribed region of the screen (FIG.5D(b)).

The following description describes discriminating a plurality of modes using a database storage region according to a second embodiment. First, a plurality of the modes can discriminatively have database storage regions within thememory160, respectively (FIG. 3C).

Each of a plurality of the modes can utilize the information stored in the corresponding database storage region or the corresponding information stored in the common database storage region only. Moreover, the information on one mode can be set not to be utilized in other modes. Besides, one (e.g., business mode) of a plurality of the modes can utilize information on another mode (e.g., private mode), whereas the latter mode can be set not to use the information on the former mode.

If the information on the first mode can be utilized in the second mode (yet the first mode is unable to utilize the information on the second mode), that means an access restriction has been placed on the second mode or that a higher security level has been set on the second mode. This is explained in detail later with reference toFIGS. 7A to 7B.

Referring toFIG. 6A, when a phonebook (example of a common application) is being executed in the private mode, themobile terminal100 extracts counterpart information corresponding to the private mode from counterpart information associated with the phonebook only and can then display the extracted counterpart information.

Referring toFIG. 6B, when executing a phonebook in the private mode, themobile terminal100 extracts counterpart information corresponding to the business mode from counterpart information associated with the phonebook and then displays the extracted counterpart information (FIG.6B(a)). Alternatively, themobile terminal100 extracts counterpart information corresponding to either the private mode or the business mode and can then display the extracted counterpart information (FIG.6B(b)).

In particular, FIG.6B(b) shows a zone (All)603 as activated. If a privacy zone (P)601 is activated, themobile terminal100 can selectively display the counterpart information corresponding to the private mode only. If a business zone (B)602 is activated, themobile terminal100 can selectively display the counterpart information corresponding to the business mode only.

Referring toFIG. 7A, when a schedule management (example of a common application) is being executed in the private mode, themobile terminal100 extracts schedules corresponding to the private mode from schedules associated with the schedule management only and can then display the extracted schedules.

Referring toFIG. 7B, when executing a schedule management in the private mode, themobile terminal100 extracts schedules corresponding to the business mode from schedules associated with the schedule management and then displays the extracted schedules (FIG.7B(a)). Alternatively, themobile terminal100 extracts schedules corresponding to either the private mode or the business mode and can then display the extracted schedules (FIG.7B(b)).

In particular, FIG.7B(b) shows a zone (All)703 as activated. If a privacy zone (P)701 is activated, themobile terminal100 can selectively display the schedules corresponding to the private mode only. If a business zone (B)702 is activated, themobile terminal100 can selectively display the schedules corresponding to the business mode only.

Specifically, referring toFIGS. 6A to 7B, although the private mode is unable to access the information on the business mode or the database storage region storing the information on the business mode, the business mode can freely access the information on the private mode or the database storage region storing the information on the private mode.

According to a third embodiment, each of a plurality of modes can be discriminated by a corresponding user access authority.

Regarding each of a plurality of the modes, as a different security level is set, a user access authority can be changed. Regarding each of a plurality of the modes, if an access restriction is put on one mode but an access restriction is not put on the other mode, a user access authority can be changed.

For this, in order to enter a specific one of a plurality of the modes, an authentication procedure can be requested. Hence, the specific mode can be entered only if a valid authentication procedure is performed to enter the specific mode. In particular, if an access restriction or a security level over a predetermined reference is put on the specific mode, an authentication procedure can be requested.

For instance, in a mode having a high user access authority, information corresponding to a mode having a low user access authority or a database storage region of the corresponding information is freely accessed and can be freely utilized. On the contrary, in a mode having a low user access authority, it is unable to access information corresponding to a mode having a high user access authority or a database storage region of the corresponding information.

When entering or switching to a mode having a high user access authority, an input of a user authentication information is requested. If a valid user authentication information is input, themobile terminal100 can enter or switch to the mode having the high user access authority (example of an authentication procedure). When a mode having a low security level is implemented, themobile terminal100 is requested to input a user authentication information (e.g., name, social security number, etc.) of a low level. When a mode having a high security level is implemented, themobile terminal100 is requested to input a user authentication information (e.g., name, social security number, specific touch pattern, specific password, etc.) of a high level.

Regarding management (e.g., input, inquiry, editing, etc.) of information (e.g., content, data, etc.) on an application in accordance with a user access authority, three kinds of cases are described in detail as follows. For clarity and convenience of the following description, assume that a plurality of modes include a first mode and a second mode.

According to a first embodiment, applications in which contents or data can be input regardless of a mode are possible. For instance, the content or data input application can include such an application for performing a basic function in using a terminal as a schedule management, a scheduler, an email, a message, a messenger, a conference call, a video call, an internet, a phonebook and the like.

According to a second embodiment, like the first embodiment, an information input is possible without mode discrimination. However, a database storage region can be discriminated pre mode (FIG. 3C).

In particular, inter-mode information exchange is impossible but unilateral information exchange is possible. For instance, an information transfer from a private mode to a business mode is possible but an information transfer from a business mode to a private mode is impossible. For another instance, by setting a plurality of modes to different security levels, respectively, an information transfer from a low level to a high level is possible but an information transfer from a high level to a low level is impossible.

In a specific situation, an external terminal having a predetermined authority in a remote place deletes information (e.g., application, content, data, etc.) on a specific mode only or can shut down the specific mode itself. For instance, the specific situation can include one of an employee taking out a terminal without authorization, a terminal being stolen, an unregistered storage medium being loaded into a terminal, a terminal accessing an unsubscribed network, and the like.

Furthermore, regarding a user access authority, an authority for accessing an application, a content, a data or the like, which is available for a business mode, can be differentiated in accordance with a user level (e.g., a rank in company, a duty attribute in company, a department in company, etc.) of themobile terminal100. In addition, a function for a specific application can be differentiated. For instance, when a user level (e.g., a group head) is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference, an approval grant function is usable. Yet, when a user level (e.g., a company employee) is lower than a predetermined reference, an approval grant function is deactivated. Moreover, the same application can have a usable content/data that differs in accordance with a user level or the same content/data can have a different range of the provided information in accordance with a user level (e.g., a different data field can be configured in accordance with a user level). Besides, in accordance with a user's authority, an icon associated with a job failing to belong to the corresponding authority is not displayed on a terminal itself. Even if the icon is displayed on the terminal, it can be set not to be executed.

According to a third embodiment, applications (e.g., dedicated applications) accessible to corresponding information as well as operable in either a first mode or a second mode are possible. For instance, for security matters in a business mode, a photographing function is restricted, a conditional access to a network is granted, or a print function is blocked. When the business mode is implemented, a business related application is provided. Whereas in the private mode, the business related application may not be provided. When the private mode is implemented, a privacy-related application is provided. Whereas in the business mode, the privacy-related application may not be provided.

Meanwhile, a content or application specialized in a unilateral mode only is possible. For instance, the application specialized for the business mode can include a company business related application. In addition, the company business related application can perform a function of an upload to a company server, a function of a download to the company server and the like.

In addition, an access restriction (or entry) per mode can be set in accordance with a place or time. For instance, a business mode can be set not to be entered at home. In another instance, a private mode can be set not to be entered within a specific time zone. Occasionally, a separately authorized person can enter the business mode at home or the private mode at the office within a specific time zone. Moreover, because an interface is provided to be shared with users in the business mode, information can be shared with the users. If the business mode is switched to the private mode, the interface provided for the information sharing can be shut down.

Furthermore, one hardware module (e.g., a common module) usable for a plurality of modes in common or another hardware module (e.g., a dedicated module) usable for a specific one of a plurality of the modes is possible. Hence, if a first mode is currently activated, a common module and a dedicated mode of the first mode are activated, while a dedicated module of a second module is not activated. In this instance, the common module and the dedicated module are designated in accordance with a user selection or can be designated by a decision made by thecontroller180 or thecompany server300.

For instance, assuming that a first mode and a second mode are a private mode and a business mode, respectively, a common module can include one of themobile communication module112 for call and message transmission and reception, thepower supply unit190, thedisplay unit151, thememory160 and the like. A dedicated module of the private mode can include one of thecamera121, theposition location module115 and the like. In addition, a dedicated module of the business mode can include theprojector module155 or the like. The above examples of the communication module and the dedicated module are just exemplary, by which the communication module and the dedicated module are non-limited. In addition, the communication module and the dedicated module can be configured in other various ways.

In the following description, a user access authority is explained in detail with reference toFIGS. 8A and 8B. For clarity and convenience of the following description, assume that the same content is accessed.

Referring toFIG. 8A, when a document1 (example of content) is accessed in a private mode, themobile terminal100 can grant ‘read authority’ for the document1 (FIG.8A(a)). When adocument1 is accessed in a business, themobile terminal100 can grant ‘read authority, delete authority, edit authority’ for the document1 (FIG.8A(b)). Moreover, if a user is authorized over a predetermined level in a company, an approval authority can be granted to the user for thedocument1 that requires approval or authorization.

Referring toFIG. 8B, when a file1 (example of content) corresponding to a business mode is selected from a file list in a private mode (FIG.8B(a)), themobile terminal100 informs a user that there is no access authority on thefile1 and enables the user to select whether to switch the private mode to the business mode to check the file1 (FIG.8B(b)).

When implementing the private mode inFIG. 8B, a file corresponding to the business mode may not be included in the file list. In addition, an indicator indicating whether the file corresponds to the privacy or business mode can be displayed on the file list. Although the user access authority is set per mode in the above description, it can be set per application, content or data if desired. Therefore, a user authorized with the user access authority can check the same content, whereas an unauthorized user is unable to check the same content.

According to a fourth embodiment, each of a plurality of modes can be discriminated in accordance with at least one of an application configuration, a content configuration and a data configuration. Each of a plurality of the modes can configure an application differently per mode. Even if an application is a common application, each of a plurality of the modes can configure a content or data corresponding to the application differently.

In this instance, the configuration of the application being different means that at least one application (hereinafter named a first dedicated application) dedicated to a first mode and at least one application (hereinafter named a common application) in common with the first mode and a second mode are executed in the first mode or that at least one application (hereinafter named a second dedicated application) dedicated to the second mode and at least one application (hereinafter named a common application) in common with the first mode and the second mode are executed in the second mode (FIG. 10C).

The configuration of the content/data being different can include both a substance of the content/data being different and a substance of the content/data being different in part. Specifically, the latter case can mean that a substance of a specific content corresponding to each of the first mode and the second mode is different even if the specific content is designated to both of the first mode and the second mode. This is enabled by configuring a data field differently per mode for the same content or data.

This is explained in detail with reference toFIGS. 9A and 9B as follows. Referring toFIG. 9A, in storing the same counterpart information, themobile terminal100 designatesdifferent contacts911 and921 anddifferent emails912 and922 to a private mode and a business mode, respectively, further designates ablog address913 and abirthday information914 to the private mode, and further designates an approval authority923, arank924 and adepartment925 to the private mode.

Referring toFIG. 9B, in storing the same schedule, even if a content andparticipant information931 and a content andparticipant information941 are identically designated to a private mode and a business mode, respectively, themobile terminal100 can further designate atime information932 to the private mode and is also able to further designate aconference room information942 and anotification943 to the business mode.

Themobile terminal100 can set a keypad type differently per mode (FIG. 10A) or can set a time zone differently per mode (FIG. 10B). Themobile terminal100 can set a different application and a different backup level of information associated with the application per mode. For instance, themobile terminal100 backs up information of a recent week in the private mode and can back up information of a recent month or real-time information in the business mode. The backup level per mode is set by a user or can be randomly set by thecontroller180.

In particular, in the business mode, if a counterpart terminal is not in the business mode or a working hour (or a holiday) currently in consideration of a status (e.g., a currently activated mode, a current location, a time zone, etc.) of the counterpart terminal, with which themobile terminal100 currently attempts to contact, themobile terminal100 informs a user of the unavailability of the counterpart terminal to enable the user to select whether to make a contact. In doing so, themobile terminal100 can receive information indicating the status of the counterpart terminal from the counterpart terminal or a company server and can then obtain the status of the counterpart terminal using the received information.

In the business mode, all previously stored schedules can be modified to a currently belonging time zone by reflecting a current time zone (when a time zone is changed).

When there is no user input action made for a predetermined period of time in the business mode, the business mode can be locked or shut down automatically or in accordance with a user selection. In this instance, in order to unlock the locked state or cancel the shutdown, a user authentication information corresponding to the business mode is input or an authentication should be granted by the company server. Moreover, in the business mode, when an overseas roaming function is loaded on a user terminal, if a current location of a user is domestic, the overseas roaming function is automatically deactivated. If a current location of a user is overseas, the overseas roaming function can be automatically activated.

According to a fifth embodiment, when at least one common application is executed, each of a plurality of modes can vary its feature to correspond to a currently activated mode. In other words, when a specific application is a common application of a first mode and a second mode, the feature of the specific application can vary in accordance with whether the currently activated mode is the first mode or the second mode.

In this instance, a feature varying per mode means that a configuration (e.g., a corresponding content/data configuration included), display or security of an application is varied. For instance, a feature varying per mode means that a structure (e.g., configuration of a corresponding menu item) of an application, an executed screen (e.g., background image, letter type, letter size, provided information, etc.) of an application, a configuration of content/data associated with an application (FIG. 9A,FIG. 9B), an application function, a security of an application (content, data, etc.) or the like is different per mode. As the examples of the application features are just exemplary, any situation in which a common application is configured to be different per mode is applicable to the present embodiment.

For instance, when the application function is different, a photographing function is allowed to a camera in a private mode but may not be allowed in a business mode. In another instance, when an authority of access to an application is different, a phonebook provides a counterpart name, a phone number and a personal email address in a private mode and can further provide a company email address, a rank, a department and an approval authority information in a business mode.

This is explained in detail with toFIG. 10C as follows. Referring toFIG. 10C, themobile terminal100 can receive an input of an execution command signal for executing a phonebook (i.e., an example of a common application) from a user.

Themobile terminal100 determines a mode activated at the input timing point of the execution command signal. If a private mode is currently activated, themobile terminal100 executes the phonebook in accordance with a feature corresponding to the private mode and then displays an executed screen of the phonebook (FIG. 6A or FIG.9A(a)). On the contrary, if a business mode is activated, themobile terminal100 executes the phonebook in accordance with a feature corresponding to the business mode and then displays an executed screen of the phonebook (FIG. 6B or9A(b)).

For instance, a situation in which a security of an application is different is explained as follows. First, when attempting to execute a common application in a first mode, either an authentication procedure is not requested or a low-level security set authentication information can be input. Yet, when attempting to execute a common application in a second mode, an authentication procedure is requested or a high-level security set authentication information should be input. In doing so, the application execution can include an output of content or data associated with the application as well as an executed screen display of the application.

According to a sixth embodiment, a plurality of modes can be discriminated from each other using user information corresponding to the modes, respectively. In this instance, the user information can include a user name (or title), a user image, a user phone number, a user email address, a user blog address and the like.

For instance, first and second user information different from each other can be set for first and second modes, respectively. In particular, when a first phone number and a second phone number (e.g., dual SIM) are assigned to themobile terminal100, the first phone number and the second phone number can be set for the first mode and the second mode, respectively.

In the above description, the definitions of the modes mentioned in the disclosure are explained. In addition, when a plurality of modes exist, the method of discriminating a plurality of the modes is explained as well. According to a seventh embodiment, each of a plurality of modes can be discriminated by an application group including at least one application executed in the corresponding mode.

For instance, when at least one application is executable in each of a plurality of modes, thecontroller180 can configure an application group including executable application(s) per mode. Moreover, the application group can be configured in accordance with an application type as well as the corresponding mode. For example, if an application type is a call, call related applications are included in the corresponding application group. If an application type is a camera, camera related applications can be included in the corresponding application group.

Moreover, themobile terminal100 displays a per-mode group identifier corresponding to a per-mode application group on the screen. If a specific group identifier is selected, themobile terminal100 can display indicators of applications belonging to the corresponding application group or can switch a current mode to a mode corresponding to the specific group identifier (assuming that it is not a currently activated mode).

A method of controlling modes in amobile terminal100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity and convenience of the following description, thedisplay unit151 includes a touchscreen and the same reference number of thedisplay unit151 is given to the touchscreen.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when implementing a plurality of modes, themobile terminal100 displays information on corresponding modes on a plurality of display regions corresponding to a plurality of the modes, respectively. If a touch and drag action from a prescribed display region to a different display region is received, themobile terminal100 determines whether the information corresponding to the prescribed region is supported in a mode corresponding to the different display region. In accordance with a result of the determination, themobile terminal100 can generate the information corresponding to the prescribed display region from the different region.

Next,FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling modes in a mobile terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 11, thecontroller180 implements a first mode and a second mode (S1110) and then selectively activates the implemented first or second mode (S1120). In particular, while both of the first and second modes are implemented, thecontroller180 can activate either the first mode or the second mode.

In the implementing step S1110, if an operating system is designated per mode, thecontroller180 can implement the first mode using a first individual operating system (i.e., a first OS in multiple operating systems) corresponding to the first mode or the second mode using a second individual operating system (i.e., a second OS in the multiple operating systems) corresponding to the second mode. When the operating system per mode is in common, thecontroller180 can implement each of the first and second modes using a common operating system (i.e., a single OS).

In the activating step S1120, when a first application and a second application are executed in the first mode and the second mode, respectively, thecontroller180 executes the first application in accordance with a feature corresponding to the first mode and executes the second application in accordance with a feature corresponding to the second mode. In this instance, each of the first and second applications can include an application (hereinafter named a common application) executable in each of the first and second modes in common or an application (hereinafter named a first or second dedicated application) executable by being dedicated to either the first mode or the second mode.

For instance, assuming that a phonebook application, which is a common application, is executed in a private mode (i.e., example of a first mode) and a business mode (i.e., example of a second mode), themobile terminal100 can (1) display a counterpart information list including counterpart information related to the private mode or specific counterpart information including a data field corresponding to the private mode in accordance with a feature corresponding to the private mode; and (2) display a counterpart information list including counterpart information related to the business mode or specific counterpart information including a data field corresponding to the business mode in accordance with a feature corresponding to the business mode.

In the following description, a mode activated on OS booting per multi-OS type (FIGS. 4A to 4C) is explained in detail. For instance, the multi-OS types can include a first multi-OS type (includingGuest OS1 andGuest OS2, corresponding to a first scheme) and a second multi-OS type (including Host OS and Guest OS, corresponding to a second scheme). In addition, a private mode corresponds toGuest OS1 and Host OS, and a business mode corresponds toGuest OS2 and Guest OS.

First, according to the first multi-OS type, as a hypervisor included in thecontroller180 is driven, themobile terminal100 can bootGuest OS1 andGuest OS2 simultaneously or sequentially. If a specific mode is selected from the private mode and the business mode by a user (or the controller180), thecontroller180 can activate the selected specific mode on Guest OS corresponding to the selected specific mode. Meanwhile, if the specific mode selecting step is omitted, thecontroller180 can activate the private mode usingGuest OS1 designated as default.

According to the second multi-OS type, thecontroller180 preferentially boots the Host OS corresponding to the private mode and can then preload the Guest OS corresponding to the business mode. Thecontroller180 activates the private mode on the Host OS. When the pre-loaded Guest OS is booted, thecontroller180 can activate the business mode on the Guest OS. Meanwhile, thecontroller180 can post-load the Guest OS.

In doing so, when pre-loading the Guest OS, an initial OS booting takes a considerable time. However, because two operating systems are already booted after completion of the booting process, a mode switching operation can be quickly performed. When post-loading the Guest OS, an initial OS booting is quickly performed. However, when switching a current mode to a mode corresponding to the Guest OS, the mode switching process may take a considerable amount of time due to the time consumption attributed to the Guest OS booting.

Referring again toFIG. 11, in the activating step S1110, thecontroller180 can activate either the first mode or the second mode in accordance with a user selection or a prescribed reference for an operating system booting. For instance, for the single OS, any one of the first and second modes can be activated in accordance with the single OS booting process. In another instance, for the multi-OS, a mode selected by a user from the first mode and the second mode or a completed firstly booted of the first mode and the second mode is activated in accordance with the simultaneous booting of the multi-OS or a mode corresponding to the preferentially booted OS in accordance with the sequential booting of the multi-OS can be activated.

In particular, for the sequential booting of the multi-OS, thecontroller180 can preferentially boot the OS, which meets a prescribed condition. For instance, thecontroller180 can preferentially boot the OS that meets one of the conditions such as an OS having a preferential booting order, an OS designated by a user to be preferentially booted and an OS supporting a mode corresponding to a current terminal status. In particular, if a current terminal location corresponds to a specific place corresponding to a specific mode or a current hour belongs to a specific time corresponding to a specific mode, thecontroller180 can preferentially boot the OS for operating the specific mode. Moreover, thecontroller180 can preferentially activate the mode corresponding to the preferentially booted OS.

In the activating step S1120, while information on the first mode and information on the second mode are displayed on the first display region corresponding to the first mode and the second display region corresponding to the second mode, respectively, thecontroller180 can selectively activate either the first mode corresponding to the first information or the second mode corresponding to the second information.

In the activating step S1120, the controller180 (1) activates a mode corresponding to a display region that has received an input of a touch action from a user, (2) activates a mode corresponding to a currently occurring event (e.g., call reception, message reception, etc.), (3) activates a mode in which a prescribed information is changed (e.g., added, deleted, edited, etc.), (4) activates a mode corresponding to either the first display region or the second display region if having a size greater than that of the other, or (5) activates a mode corresponding to a main display region selected from the first display region and the second display region. Thecontroller180 can also activate a mode for receiving an input of an activation command from a user or can activate a mode set as default to be activated when implementing a plurality of modes.

Moreover, when receiving an input of a touch action on the second display region in the first mode activated status (and vice versa), thecontroller180 deactivates the first mode, and activates the second mode by switching the first mode to the second mode. In particular, thecontroller180 determines whether a conditional access is set on the second mode. If the conditional access is set on the second mode, thecontroller180 can switch the first mode to the second mode only if an authentication procedure is validly performed.

For instance, if the first mode and the second mode are set to a private mode and a business mode, respectively, the conditional access can be set. Thereafter, if the authentication procedure for the switching to the second mode is successfully performed, the authentication procedure can be skipped when performing a re-switching (or re-entry) to the second mode in the future. For instance, for re-switching for a predetermined period of time (e.g., duty hours, a day, a week, etc.), re-switching between a terminal-on and a terminal-off or the like, the authentication procedure can be skipped.

Thecontroller180 then displays the information corresponding to the first mode on the first display region corresponding to the first mode and also displays the information corresponding to the second mode on the second display region corresponding to the second mode (S1130). In this instance, the displaying step S1130 can be performed using thetouchscreen151.

Further, the first and second display regions are provided to the same page or can be provided to different pages, respectively. In particular, a prescribed mode can include a plurality of pages (or screens), different information can be displayed on each of a plurality of the pages, and a page number, a content per page, a background image per page, a configuration per page, a presence or non-presence of deletion and the like can vary in accordance with a user selection or a decision made by thecontroller180. For instance, assuming that the first mode includes first to fourth pages, first to third application indicators and a first widget are displayed on the first page, fourth to tenth application indicators are displayed on the second page, second to fourth widgets are displayed on the third page and first to fourth images are displayed on the fourth page.

The first display region and the second display region can also be identifiably displayed. Moreover, either the first display region or the second display regions, which corresponds to a currently activated mode, can be identifiably displayed. For instance, the display regions can be identifiably displayed using identification information (e.g., name, icon, symbol, number, etc.) of a corresponding mode. In another instance, the display regions can be identifiably displayed using a color, size, shape, font and/or the like of displayed information. In still another instance, the display regions can be identifiably displayed using a background image, background color, size, position and/or the like of a corresponding display region.

Information corresponding to a mode is the information displayed on a mode screen and includes indicator(s) or widget(s) of application(s) executable in the mode, executed status information of an application executed in a current mode, information displayed a prescribed one of a plurality of pages configuring the mode, and content/data displayed in accordance with an application execution.

The displaying step S1130 is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings as follows.FIGS. 12A to 12C are first display screens designating a display region per mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular,FIGS. 12A to 12C illustrate both first and second display regions being displayed on a page.

Referring toFIG. 12A, thecontroller180 allocates a portion of a whole display region to afirst region1210 and the rest of the display region to asecond region1220. Referring toFIG. 12B, thecontroller180 partitions a whole display region into two regions including a first partitioned region and a second partitioned region. Thecontroller180 can then allocate thefirst region1210 and thesecond region1220 to the first partitioned region and the second partitioned region, respectively.

Referring toFIG. 12C, the display region includes a popup window. In addition, thecontroller180 can allocate thefirst region1210 and thesecond region1220 to a first popup window and a second popup window, respectively.

Next,FIGS. 13A and 13B are second display screens designating a display region per mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular,FIGS. 13A and 13B show displaying a first display region and a second display region on different pages, respectively.

Referring toFIG. 13A, thecontroller180 allocates a first display region to a first page (afirst page identifier1301 corresponding to a first page) (FIG.13A(a)) and allocates a second display region to a fifth page (afifth page identifier1302 corresponding to a fifth page (FIG.13A(b)).

Referring toFIG. 13B, thecontroller180 can allocate a per-mode display region to each of a plurality of pages as shown inFIG. 13A. Specifically, thecontroller180 displays identification information (e.g., mode name, mode number, etc.) of a mode corresponding to a corresponding display region on a page identifier, thereby facilitating a user to select a desired display region. For instance, P-1 to P-3 indicate first to third private modes, respectively. In another instance, B-1 and B-2 indicate a first business mode and a second business mode, respectively.Identification information1303 and1304 inFIG. 13B illustrates the P-1 and B-2 modes, respectively.

Referring again toFIG. 11, in the displaying step S1130, thecontroller180 can adjust at least one of a size, color, position and display scheme of each of the first and second display regions under the control of thecontroller180. For instance, thecontroller180 can determine a size, color, position or display scheme of each of the first and second display regions based on a user selection. Hence, a user can freely control a display status of each of the first and second display regions.

Thecontroller180 can determine a size, color, position or display scheme of each of the first and second display regions based on at least one of a use frequency (or activation frequency) of each of the first and second modes, the number of executable applications, a property of a currently executed application and a presence or non-presence of application execution. In particular, the higher the use frequency gets, the size of the corresponding display region increases. The color of the corresponding display region can be changed in accordance with what kind of application is currently executed (if a color per application is designated).

For example, when a currently executed application is a sound-oriented application (i.e., not a matter of display) (e.g., music play application, voice call application, radio application, etc.), a size of a corresponding display region is set equal to or smaller than a predetermined reference (e.g., ¼ of a whole screen size). When a currently executed application is a display-oriented application (e.g., video play application, video call application, TV application, etc.), a size of a corresponding display region is set equal to or greater than a predetermined reference (e.g., ½ of a whole screen size).

Thecontroller180 can set up a display region generating condition through a menu search/setting. In particular, when displaying a plurality of display regions on a single screen, thecontroller180 sets up a layout of a display region or an arrangement format of a plurality of the display regions. Hence, thecontroller180 can generate a plurality of display regions in accordance with the set layout or arrangement format of the display regions. Moreover, thecontroller180 can set up various conditions including a color, position, size, and background image of the display region and the like through the menu search/setting.

For instance, when a layout of display regions is set up, an arrangement form or position of a plurality of display regions can be set. Moreover, as the arrangement format of the display regions, the arrangement can set one of a main/supplementary format (FIG. 12A), a screen partition format (FIG. 12B), a popup window (or window) format (FIG. 12C), an individual page format (FIGS. 13A and 13B) and the like.

In the following description, a display control of a display region is explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In particular,FIGS. 14A and 14B are display screens illustrating adjusting a size of a display region according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 14A, when receiving an input of a touch and drag action on thefirst display region1210 in an inward direction (FIG.14A(a)), thecontroller180 reduces thefirst display region1210 to correspond to a touch and drag distance or a touch and drag speed and relatively enlarges thesecond display region1220 provided to the rest of the whole display region (FIG.14A(b)).

Referring toFIG. 14B, after thefirst display region1210 and thesecond display region1220 are allocated to a first partitioned region and a second partitioned region, respectively, and when receiving a touch and drag action from a random point of a boundary line between the first andsecond display regions1210 and1220 or a random point within thefirst display region1210 to a random point within the second display region1220 (FIG.14B(a)), thecontroller180 enlarges thefirst display region1210 to correspond to a touch and drag distance or a touch and drag speed and reduces the second display region1220 (FIG.14B(b)).

Thus, if a corresponding display region is reduced, a size of information displayed thereon can be reduced. Similarly, if a corresponding display region is enlarged, a size of information displayed thereon can be enlarged.

Next,FIGS. 15A to 15C are display screens illustrating displaying a plurality of mode screens on a plurality of display regions, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a first display region and a second display region are allocated to a first partitioned region and a second partitioned region, respectively.

Referring toFIG. 15A, thecontroller180 displays a first page (including a first application indicator, a second application indicator and a first widget) among a plurality of pages configuring a first mode within thefirst display region1210 and displays a first page (including a third application indicator, a fourth application indicator, a fifth application indicator and a second widget) among a plurality of pages configuring a second mode within thesecond display region1220.

Referring toFIG. 15B, when receiving an input of a first/second touch and drag action for a page turning action on the first/second regions1210/1220 inFIG. 15A, thecontroller180 can perform a page turning action on the first/second display regions1210/1220 to correspond to a first/second touch and drag distance or a first/second touch and drag speed.

Referring toFIG. 15C, when receiving a first touch action on the first application indicator displayed on thefirst display region1210 and a second touch action on the fifth application indicator displayed on thesecond display region1220 inFIG. 15A, thecontroller180 displays an executed screen of a first application indicated by the first application indicator on thefirst display region1210 and displays an executed screen of a fifth application indicated by the fifth application indicator on thesecond display region1220.

In summary, thecontroller180 can execute a plurality of applications belonging to different modes, respectively, and can display each executed screen on each display region. Thecontroller180 can also perform a display status switching operation between a status of displaying both screens corresponding to the first and second modes (within the first and second display regions) (hereinafter called a multimode screen status) and a status of displaying a screen corresponding to a single mode (hereinafter called a single mode screen status).

The display status switching operation between the multi-mode screen status and the single mode screen status is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings as follows. In particular,FIGS. 16A to 16C are display screens illustrating switching between a multimode screen and a single mode screen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 16A, when receiving atouch action10 on akey zone1601 or1602 corresponding to a specific mode in a multimode screen status or a pinch-out action z0 (FIG.16A(a)), thecontroller180 can display a screen of the specific mode (single mode screen status) (FIG.16A(b)).

In particular, when the pinch-out action is received, thecontroller180 can display a screen corresponding to one of a defaulted one of a first mode and a second mode, a mode having a high priority set by a user, a mode having a currently executed application existing therein, a mode having an early mode order and the like.

Referring toFIG. 16B, when receiving atouch action10 on akey zone1603 corresponding to a multimode in a single mode screen status or a pinch-in action20 (FIG.16B(a)), thecontroller180 can display each mode screen within a first/second display region (multimode screen status) (FIG.16B(b)).

Moreover, in the multimode screen status, a state of displaying a common region can be further included in addition to the first and second display regions. In this instance, the common region can contain an indicator of a common application of the first and second modes, a common function (e.g., voice call, message, configuration setting, etc.) of the first and second modes, an indicator of a user preferred application, an indicator of an application designated to be contained in the common region by a user or thecontroller180 and the like.

Referring toFIG. 16C, when receiving an input of a command for switching to a screen status of displaying a plurality of display regions including a common region from a single mode screen status or a multimode screen status including a first display region and a second display region, thecontroller180 can display afirst display region1610, asecond display region1630 and acommon region1620.

In particular, a command (hereinafter named a first switching command) for switching to a first multimode screen status including a first display region and a second display region from a single mode screen status and a command (hereinafter named a second switching command) for switching to a second multimode screen status including a first display region, a second display region and a common region from a single mode screen status are distinguished from each other. In addition, a screen switching operation between a first multimedia screen and a second multimode screen status is possible.

For instance, the first switching command can be input if a key zone or a menu item corresponding to the first switching command is selected. The first switching command can also be input if a distance between pointers for an end of a pinch-in action is a first distance. The first switching command can be input if a touch speed of a pinch-in action is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference, and the first switching command can also be input if a pinch-in action is input after a touch over a predetermined duration.

In another instance, the second switching command can be input if a key zone or a menu item corresponding to the second switching command is selected, if a distance between pointers for an end of a pinch-in action is a second distance, if a touch speed of a pinch-in action is smaller than a predetermined reference, or if a pinch-in action is input after a touch below a predetermined duration.

When receiving an input of a touch and drag action from a prescribed point within a first display region (boundary included) to a second display region in a first multimode screen status, thecontroller180 can allocate a portion of the second display region to a common region. Hence, the first multimode screen status can be switched to a second multimode screen status including a first region, a second region and a common region. In this instance, the common region can have a size corresponding to a touch and drag distance.

In particular, when receiving an input of a touch and drag action in a right/bottom direction on the first display region, thecontroller180 can allocate a portion of the second display region adjacent to a right/bottom side of the first display region to the common region. Moreover, when receiving an input of a touch and drag action in a diagonal direction on the first display region, thecontroller180 can allocate a portion of the second display region enclosing vertical and horizontal sides situated in the touch and drag direction among the sides of the first display region to the common region.

Referring again toFIG. 11, thecontroller180 receives an input of a touch and drag action from the first display region to the second display region from a user using the touchscreen151 (S1140). For instance, a start point of the touch and drag action can include at least one of a random point of the first display region, a random point belonging to a specific application indicator or widget included in the first display region, and a random point belonging to a specific data or content displayed on the first display region. That is, the start point of the touch and drag action can include a random point belonging to a specific′ object (e.g., a specific application indicator or a specific widget) displayed on a screen or a random point within a whole screen.

Because the touch and drag action is one example only, a touch action on each of the first and second display regions, a flicking action from the first display region to the second display region and the like are applicable in various ways.

When receiving an input of the touch and drag action from the first display region to the second display region, thecontroller180 determines whether the information corresponding to the first display region is supported in the second mode corresponding to the second display region (S1150).

In this instance, the information corresponding to the first display region can include at least one of an application indicated by an application indicator having a touch point belong thereto, an application corresponding to an application executed screen displayed on the first display region, a widget having a touch point belong thereto, and a data or content displayed on the first display region. Moreover, if a touch point belongs to a group icon (or a representative icon) including a plurality of application indicators, the information corresponding to the first display region can contain a plurality of applications indicated by a plurality of the application indicators belonging to the group icon.

In the determining step S1150, if the information corresponding to the first display region is the specific application or the specific widget, the specific application or the specific widget is executable in the second mode, an execution information of the specific application or the specific widget is compatible with the second mode, or the execute information of the specific application, the specific widget in the second mode is stored in thememory160, or the specific application or the specific widget is designated to be executed in the second mode already (common application/common widget), thecontroller180 can determine that the information corresponding to the first display region is supported in the second mode.

In the determining step S1150, if the information corresponding to the first display region is a specific content or a specific data, an application corresponding to a specific content or a specific data is also designated to be executed in the second mode, or an application corresponding to a specific content or a specific data is executable in the second mode (refer to the foregoing description of the determination of a presence or non-presence of an application/widget support), thecontroller180 can determine that the information corresponding to the first display region is supported in the second mode.

If thecontroller180 determines the information corresponding to the first display region is supported in the second mode (yes in S1150), thecontroller180 generates the information corresponding to the first display region in the second mode (S1160). For instance, if the information corresponding to the first display region is a specific application or a specific widget, as the specific application or the specific widget is generated in the second display region, an indicator of the specific application or the specific widget can be displayed on the second display region. In another instance, if the information corresponding to the first display region is a specific content/data associated with a specific application, as the specific content/data is generated in the second mode, an indicator of the specific application or the specific content/data itself can be displayed on the second display region.

In particular, in the generating step S1160, the controller180 (1) displays the information corresponding to the first display region (or an indicator indicating the corresponding information, e.g., an application indicator) on the second display region only (stopping a display on the first display region) or (2) displays the information corresponding to the first display region on both of the first display region and the second display region (maintaining the display on the first display region).

Meanwhile, if the information corresponding to the first display region is already generated in the second mode (e.g., for a common application or a common widget), the information corresponding to the first display region can be brought from a specific page containing the information corresponding to the first display region among pages configuring the second mode instead of brining the information corresponding to the first display region from the first mode.

When generating the information corresponding to the first display region in the second mode, thecontroller180 can determine whether to keep displaying the information corresponding to the first display region on the first display region in accordance with an input pattern of a touch and drag action from the first display region to the second display region (maintaining or stopping a display).

For instance, when stopping the display, the touch and drag action can include one of a touch and drag action by a multi-pointer, a touch and drag action into the second display region, and touch and drag action after a long touch. In another instance, compared to the above-mentioned touch and drag action when stopping the display, the touch and drag action when maintaining the display can include one of a touch and drag action by a single pointer and a touch and drag action after a short touch.

When generating the information corresponding to the first display region in the second mode, thecontroller180 can display the information corresponding to the first display region on the second display region by changing a display status of the information corresponding to the first display region to correspond to the second mode. For instance, thecontroller180 can change a displayed size, displayed color, displayed information, displayed position and/or the like of the information corresponding to the first display region to correspond to the second mode.

Meanwhile, if thecontroller180 determines the information corresponding to the first display region is not supported in the second mode (no in S1150), thecontroller180 accesses an external server via thewireless communication unit110 to generate information, which is identical or similar to the information corresponding to the first display region, supported in the second mode (S1170). In doing so, the access to the external server is performed in accordance with a user selection or can be automatically performed by thecontroller180.

In this instance, the external server can include an external server providing an application or widget to the terminal. For instance, the external server can include one of a web server, a server of a mobile communication service provider and the like. In addition, thecontroller180 can access a corresponding web server via a website (e.g., Android Market, Apple Market, etc.) that provides application/widget.

Besides, if thecontroller180 determines the information corresponding to the first display region is not supported in the second mode (no in S1150), thecontroller180 enables the information corresponding to the first display region, which is moving to correspond to a touch and drag action, to return to a previous position before the moving of the corresponding information.

In the accessing step S1170, thecontroller180 searches the external server for the information, which is equal or similar to the information corresponding to the first display region and supported in the second mode, and can then download the found information. Thus, the searching and downloading process can be automatically performed without a user selection.

In the accessing step S1170, thecontroller180 searches the external server for the information, which is equal or similar to the information corresponding to the first display region and supported in the second mode, and can then display a list constructed with the found information as a result of the search or a recommended one of the found information.

A control operation in accordance with a presence or non-presence of a support of the information corresponding to the first display region in the second mode is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings as follows. Although the drawings of the following description show an operation of generating the information corresponding to the first display region in the second mode, the following embodiments are applicable to a reverse case as well.

First, thecontroller180 can inform a user that a touch and drag action (e.g., a touch and drag action from a first display region to a second display region) for generating the information corresponding to the first display region in a second mode can be input. For instance, a boundary line between the first display region and the second display region is represented with slash lines or a different color or can be displayed thick. Optionally, in order to indicate that the touch and drag action can be input, a text, an image, an icon and/or the like is displayed and/or voice or vibration can be output.

Alternatively, the touch and drag action can be replaced by one of a selection of a menu item corresponding to the generation of the information corresponding to the first display region in the second mode, an input of a touch action having a predetermined pattern (e.g., a long touch, a multi-touch, etc.) on the first display region to which the information to be generated in the second mode corresponds, an input of a corresponding speech, an input of a corresponding terminal motion, a selection of a corresponding key zone and the like.

Next,FIGS. 17A to 17E are display screens illustrating receiving an input of a touch and drag action from an application indicator of a first display region to a second display region, if an application of the first display region is supported in a second mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 17A, when receiving an input of a touch and drag action to thesecond display region1220 from thesecond application indicator1211 displayed on the first display region1210 (FIG.17A(a)), thecontroller180 can generate a second application corresponding to thesecond application indicator1211 in the second mode (FIG.17A(b)).

For instance, assuming that the generation in the second mode includes a shift and a copy operation, thecontroller180 can display awindow1710 for selecting whether to shift to the second mode or to copy (FIG.17A(b)). Alternatively, thecontroller180 performs a shift action on the second application as a default. If there is a separate command corresponding to the copy from a user, thecontroller180 can perform a copy action on the second application.

Referring toFIG. 17B, when the copy is selected in FIG.17A(b), thecontroller180 displays thesecond application indicator1211 on both of thefirst display region1210 and the second display region1220 (FIG.17B(a)). If the shift is selected in FIG.17A(b), thecontroller180 can display thesecond application indicator122 on thesecond display region1220 only (FIG.17B(b)).

In brief, if the second application is copied, the second application is designated to a common application of the first and second modes. If the second application is shifted, the second application can be designated to a dedicated application of the second mode.

Referring toFIG. 17C, if the second application is generated in the second mode, thecontroller180 can enable a display status of thesecond application indicator1211 within the second display region to differ from a display status within thefirst display region1210. For instance, thesecond application indicator1211 within thesecond display region1220 can differ from thesecond application indicator1211 displayed on thefirst display region1210 in at least one of a display shape, a display size, a display color, a display information (e.g., name, icon image, etc.) and the like.

This is because each of the first and second modes can have a different display scheme of its application indicator or widget. In this instance, information on the display scheme of each of the modes is stored in thememory160. For instance, an application indicator in the first mode is represented as 1×1 or red. Yet, an application indicator in the second mode can be represented as 1×2 or blue.

Referring toFIG. 17D, when copying the second application to the second mode, thecontroller180 allows a user to select whether a data or content stored in the first mode in association with the second application is to be shared with the second mode (FIG.17D(a)). Hence, if the user selects to share (yes), thecontroller180 can share the data or content stored in the first mode in association with the second application with the second mode (FIG.17D(b)). If the user selects not to share (no), thecontroller180 copies the second application to the second mode only but enables the associated data or content not to be referred to in the second mode.

When shifting the second application to the second mode, thecontroller180 allows a user to select whether to bring a data or content stored in the first mode in association with the second application. In accordance with a user selection, thecontroller180 shifts the second application only or brings the associated with data or content to a storage region of the second mode together with a shift of the second application. Meanwhile, when the second application is generated in the second mode, thecontroller180 can automatically generate the data or content associated with the second application in the second mode irrespective of a user selection.

Referring toFIG. 17E, thecontroller180 can determine whether to keep displaying thesecond application indicator1211 on thefirst display region1210 in accordance with an input pattern of a touch and drag action (maintaining/stopping a display. For instance, referring to FIG.17E(a), when receiving an input of a touch and drag action {circle around (1)} from thesecond application indicator1211 to a boundary between the first andsecond display regions1210 and1220, thesecond application indicator1211 can be displayed on both of thefirst display region1210 and the second display region1220 (maintaining a display). When receiving an input of a touch and drag action {circle around (2)} from thesecond application indicator1211 into thesecond display region1220, thesecond application indicator1211 can be displayed on thesecond display region1220 only (stopping a display).

In another instance, when receiving an input of a touch and drag action {circle around (2)} by a single pointer from thesecond application indicator1211, thesecond application indicator1211 can be displayed on both of thefirst display region1210 and the second display region1220 (maintaining a display). When receiving an input of a touch and drag action {circle around (1)} by a multi-pointer from thesecond application indicator1211, thesecond application indicator1211 can be displayed on thesecond display region1220 only (stopping a display).

Next,FIGS. 18A to 18C are display screens illustrating receiving an input of a touch and drag action from an application indicator of a first display region to a second display region, if an application of the first display region is not supported in a second mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 18A, when receiving an input of a touch and drag action on thesecond application indicator1211 displayed on thefirst display region1210 toward thesecond display region1220, thecontroller180 indicates that the second application is not supported in the second mode (FIG.18A(a)) and enables thesecond application indicator1211, which is being shifted in response to the touch and drag action, to return to its original position before the shift (FIG.18A(b)).

Referring toFIG. 18B, when receiving an input of a touch and drag action on thesecond application indicator1211 displayed on thefirst display region1210 toward thesecond display region1220, thecontroller180 indicates that the second application is not supported in the second mode and can display awindow1810 for allowing a user to select an access to a website (e.g., App Store) providing applications. Alternatively, thecontroller180 can automatically access the App Store without a user selection.

Referring toFIG. 18C, after thecontroller180 has accessed an App Store, thecontroller180 displays a list of applications supported in the second mode by performing a function equal or similar to the second application (FIG.18C(a)) or can display detail information on a specific one (e.g., application having a highest download count, application having best evaluation, free application, etc.) of the applications (FIG.18C(b)).

For instance, the application performing a function equal or similar to the second application can include one of an application belonging to the same category of the second application, an application having the same name of the second application and an application corresponding to a version of the second mode of the second application for the application having a version differing per mode.

Therefore, thecontroller180 receives a selection of a specific application from the application list shown in FIG.18C(a) and then downloads the selected application. Alternatively, thecontroller180 can download a specific application, of which detail information is displayed in FIG.18C(b). In this instance, an indicator of the downloaded specific application can be displayed on thesecond display region1220.

FIGS. 19A to 19C are display screens illustrating receiving an input of a touch and drag action from a widget of a first display region to a second display region, if the widget of the first display region is supported in a second mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 19A, when receiving an input of a touch and drag action from thefirst widget1212 displayed on thefirst display region1210 to the second display region1220 (FIG.19A(a)), thecontroller180 can generate thefirst widget1212 in the second mode (FIG.19A(b)). Moreover, when generating thefirst widget1212 in the second mode, thecontroller180 can select whether to keep displaying thefirst widget1212 on the first display region1210 (maintaining/stopping a display). For instance, if a shift is selected via awindow1910, thefirst widget1212 stops being displayed. If a copy is selected, the display of thefirst widget1212 is maintained.

Referring toFIG. 19B, if thefirst widget1212 is generated in the second mode, thecontroller180 displays thefirst widget1212 on both of thefirst display region1210 and the second display region1220 (FIG.19B(a)) or can display thefirst widget1212 on thesecond display region1220 only (FIG.19B(b)).

In brief, when thefirst widget1212 is displayed on both of thefirst display region1210 and thesecond display region1220, thefirst widget1212 is designated to a common widget of the first and second modes. When thefirst widget1212 is displayed on thesecond display region1220 only, thefirst widget1212 can be designated to a dedicate widget of the second mode.

Referring toFIG. 19C, when generating thefirst widget1212 in the second mode, thecontroller180 can enlarge thefirst widget1212 within thesecond display region1220 to be larger than that within thefirst display region1210. If a space for displaying the enlargedfirst widget1212 is insufficient on a page currently displayed on thesecond display region1220, a page securing a space for displaying the enlargedfirst widget1212 through a page turning is displayed on thesecond display region1220 and the enlargedfirst widget121 can be situated on the turned page.

For instance, an outline of thefirst widget1212 is represented as a dotted line until its position in thesecond display region1220 is confirmed (FIG.19C(a)). After the position has been confirmed, the outline of thefirst widget1212 can be represented as a solid line (FIG.19C(b)). Moreover, thecontroller180 enables thefirst widget1212 within thesecond display region1220 to differ from that within thefirst display region1210 in a display shape, a display color, a display information and/or the like as well as a size. This is because a display configuration of a same widget can vary per mode.

The foregoing embodiments relating to the application generation operation in accordance with a presence or non-presence of a support in the second mode (FIGS. 17A to 18B) are applicable to the widget as well.

Next,FIG. 20 is a display screen illustrating identifiably displaying an application/widget, which can be generated in a different mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 20, when receiving an input of a touch action on a random point of thefirst display region1210, thecontroller180 can identifiably display theindicator1211 of an application or thewidget1212, which can be generated in a second mode, among application widgets or widgets displayed within thefirst display region1210. This is applicable to a second display region as well.

When ashift zone2001 provided to a prescribed region of a screen is selected, thecontroller180 can identifiably display an indicator of an application or a widget, which can be generated in a counterpart mode, among the application indicators or widgets displayed on each of the first andsecond display regions1210 and1220.

Next,FIGS. 21A and 21B are display screens illustrating receiving a touch and drag action from a first display region to a second display region, if an application corresponding to an application executed screen of the first display region is supported in a second mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 21A, when receiving an input of a touch and drag action from a first application executed screen displayed on thefirst display region1210 to the second display region1220 (FIG.21A(a)), thecontroller180 can generate a first application in a second mode. In addition, thecontroller180 can select whether to keep displaying a first application indicator on thefirst display region1210. For instance, if a shift is selected via awindow2110, the first application indicator stops being displayed on thefirst display region1210. If a copy is selected, the first application indicator can keep being displayed on thefirst display region1210.

Referring toFIG. 21B, when generating a first application in a second mode, thecontroller180 shifts the first application to a storage region of the second mode (FIG.21B(a)) or can refer to the first application by shifting the first application to a common storage region or having the first application stored in a storage region of a first mode (FIG.21B(b)). In brief, the first application is designated to a dedicated application of the second mode (FIG.21B(a)) or the first application can be designated to a common application of the first and second modes (FIG.21B(b)).

When generating the first application in the second mode while executing the first application, thecontroller180 stops displaying a first application executed screen on thefirst display region1210, can display the first application executed screen on thesecond display region1220, and can display the first application indicator on thesecond display region1220 only. In addition, when generating the first application in the second mode while executing the first application, thecontroller180 displays the first application executed screen on a prescribed one of the first andsecond display regions1210 and1220 or can display the first application indicator on both of the first andsecond display regions1210 and1220, in accordance with a user selection.

The foregoing embodiments (FIGS. 17A to 18B) relating to the application generating operation in accordance with a presence or non-presence of a support in the second mode are applicable to the present embodiment. However, the foregoing embodiment relating to the display of the shifted application indicator can be set not to be applicable.

Next,FIGS. 22A and 22B are display screens illustrating receiving a touch and drag action from a random point of a first display region to a second display region, if a data/content of the first display region is supported in a second mode, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 22A, when receiving an input of a touch and drag action from thefirst display region1210 to thesecond display region1220 while displaying a first document as specific data (or specific content) on the first display region1210 (FIG.22A(a)), thecontroller180 can generate the first document in a second mode (FIG.22A(b)). In addition, thecontroller180 can display awindow2210 for selecting whether the first document is made to correspond to the second mode (shift) or both of the first and second modes (copy) (FIG.22A(b)). In this instance, an embodiment of generating an application corresponding to the first document in the second mode can refer to the former description with reference toFIGS. 21A and 21B.

Referring toFIG. 22B, when generating a first document in the second mode, thecontroller180 shifts the first document to a storage region of the second mode (FIG.22B(a)) or can refer to the first document by shifting the first document to a common storage region or having the first document stored in a storage region of a first mode (FIG.22B(b)).

In this instance, a document related application capable of executing the first document exists in the second mode and the first document can correspond to the document related application of the second mode. If the document related application capable of executing the first document does not exist in the second mode, a document related application of the first mode is controller to be generated in the second mode or the document related application corresponding to the second mode can be set to be downloaded from an external server.

In brief, the first document is designated to a dedicated data of the second mode (FIG.22B(a)) or the first document can be designated to a common data of the first and second modes (FIG.22B(b)). Moreover, thecontroller180 stops displaying the first document on thefirst display region1210 and displays the first document on thesecond display region1220. Alternatively, thecontroller180 can display the first document on either thefirst display region1210 or thesecond display region1220.

The foregoing embodiments (FIGS. 17A to 18B) relating to the application generating operation in accordance with a presence or non-presence of a support in the second mode are applicable to the present embodiment. Yet, the foregoing embodiment relating to the display of the shifted application indicator can be set not to be applicable.

Next,FIGS. 23A to 23C are display screens illustrating receiving a touch and drag action from a page corresponding to a first display region to a page corresponding to a second display region, if the first display region and the second display region are generated from different pages, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention. For clarity and convenience of the following description, assume that the first and second display regions are provided to different pages, respectively.

Referring toFIG. 23A, while thesecond application indicator1211 displayed on afirst page1301 provided within the first display region is selected, thecontroller180 performs a page turning action (FIG.23A(a)). If afifth page1302 having a second display region is displayed by the page turning action, thecontroller180 can display thesecond application indicator1211 on the second display region (FIG.23A(b)).

In this instance, the page turning action or an application indicator generating action can be performed to correspond to a touch and drag action. For instance, while thesecond application indicator1211 is selected, if a touch and drag action in a right direction is input, thecontroller180 can execute a forward page turning action (in order of incrementing a page number).

Referring toFIG. 23B, although the page number is used as the page indicator inFIG. 23A, thecontroller180 can display anidentification number1303 of a mode, to which a display region included in a corresponding page corresponds, as a page indicator. For instance, first to third private modes are represented as P-1 to P-3, respectively. A first business mode and a second business mode can be represented as B-1 and B-2, respectively.

First, while thesecond application indicator1211 is selected, if a touch and drag action to the page indicator B-21304 corresponding to the second business mode is input (FIG.23B(a)), thecontroller180 can display thesecond application indicator1211 on a display region corresponding to the second business mode.

InFIG. 23A or23B, when thesecond application indicator1211 situated on the page containing the first display region or the page corresponding to the first private mode P1 is displayed on the page containing the second display region or the page containing the display region corresponding to the second business mode B-2, thecontroller180 determines whether the second application indicated by thesecond application indicator1211 is supported in the second mode or the second business mode P-2. In accordance with a result of the determination, the second application can be generated in the second mode or the second business mode. This refers to the former description relating to the application generation (FIGS. 17A to 18B).

Referring toFIG. 23C, if thesecond application indicator1211 displayed on the display region of the first private mode provided to the first page is selected to be generated in a different mode, thecontroller180 can identifiably displayindicators1304 and1305 of pages, each of which has a display region of a mode capable of supporting the second application. Hence, a user can place thesecond application indicator1211 in the display region corresponding to the mode of supporting the second application.

In addition, thecontroller180 can request an authentication procedure before generating the information corresponding to the first display region. If the authentication procedure is validly performed, thecontroller180 generates the information corresponding to the first display region in the second mode. If the authentication procedure is not validly performed, thecontroller180 cannot generate the information corresponding to the first display region in the second mode entirely or in part.

For instance, thecontroller180 can request to perform the authentication procedure in at least one of the following instances. First, thecontroller180 can request to perform the authentication procedure if a conditional access or a security function is set on the information corresponding to the first display region entirely or in part. Secondly, thecontroller180 can request to perform the authentication procedure if a conditional access is set on the second mode. Thirdly, thecontroller180 can request to perform the authentication procedure if a security level of the first mode is higher than that of the second mode. Fourthly, thecontroller180 can perform the authentication procedure if a security level of an entire part or portion of the information corresponding to the first display region is higher than that of the second mode.

Thecontroller180 receives an input of user authentication information from a user. If the input user authentication information matches previously registered authentication information, thecontroller180 can determine that the authentication procedure is valid. For instance, the user authentication information can be input in one of various ways including a password input, a user fingerprint input, a user face image input, a user iris recognition, a user ID card recognition and the like.

If the authentication procedure is not valid, the controller180 (1) does not display the entire part of the information corresponding to the first display region in the second mode or (2) limitedly generates a portion of the information corresponding to the first display region in the second mode. For instance, a partial information, on which the security level or conditional access is not set, in the information corresponding to the first display region, a partial information designated by a user to be shared, a partial information having a security level equal to or lower than that of the second mode or the like can be generated despite that the authentication procedure is not validly performed.

The authentication procedure execution is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings as follows. In particular,FIGS. 24A to 24C are display screens illustrating performing an authentication procedure when generating information corresponding to a first display region in a second mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In this example, information corresponding to a first display region is limited to an application indicated by an application indicator containing a touch point. The following embodiment relating to an authentication procedure is applicable to information of a different type. In addition, the information corresponding to the first display region is assumed to be supported in a second mode.

Referring toFIG. 24A, when attempting to generate a second application corresponding to thesecond application information1211 displayed on thefirst display region1210 in a second mode, thecontroller180 can request an execution of an authentication procedure. Referring toFIG. 24B, if the authentication procedure is validly performed, thecontroller180 allows a user to generate the second application in the second mode.

Moreover, the user can select whether to keep displaying the second application indicator on the first display region1210 (maintaining/stopping a display). For instance, if a shift is selected via a window, the second application indicator is not displayed on thefirst display region1210 any more (stopping a display). If a copy is selected, the second application indicator can be displayed on both of thefirst display region1210 and the second display region1220 (maintaining a display).

Referring toFIG. 24C, if the authentication procedure is not validly performed, thecontroller180 informs a user of the authentication procedure failure and also allows a user to select one of an authentication procedure retrial (retry), an authentication procedure cancellation (cancel) and a generation of partial information (partial) (FIG.24C(a)).

If the ‘partial’ is selected in FIG.24C(a), thecontroller180 can generate a portion of the second application in the second mode (FIG.24C(b)). For instance, if the second application is a common application, information (i.e., basic information), on which a security level or conditional access is not set) in data/content related to the second application can be generated in the second mode. Meanwhile, if the second application is a dedicated application, the second application may not be generated at all.

In addition, thecontroller180 displays a shift indicator on a boundary between the first display region and the second display region using thetouchscreen151 and can then receive an input of a touch and drag action to shift the shift indicator. Further, thecontroller180 determines whether a partial information contained in a shift region of the shift indicator in the information corresponding to the first display region is supported in the second mode. In accordance with a result of the determination, thecontroller180 can generate the partial information contained in the shift region of the shift indicator in the second mode.

This is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings as follows.FIGS. 25A to 25E are display screens illustrating receiving a touch and drag action on a shift indicator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 25A, thecontroller180 displays ashift indicator2510 on a boundary between thefirst display region1210 and the second display region1220 (FIG.25A(a)) and can then receive an input of a touch and drag action to shift the shift indicator2510 (FIG.25A(b)). In this instance, theshift indicator2510 can be set if a long touch, plural touches or a multi-touch is input to the boundary between the first andsecond display regions1210 and1220.

Referring toFIG. 25B, if thefirst widget1212 of thefirst display region1210 is contained in the shift region of the shift indicator shown inFIG. 25A, thecontroller180 determines whether thefirst widget1212 is supported in the second mode. If thefirst widget1212 is supported in the second mode, thecontroller180 generates thefirst widget1212 in the second mode and can then display thefirst widget1212 within thesecond display region1220.

Thus, because the boundary between the first andsecond display regions1210 and1220 is shifted by the shift of theshift indicator2510, a size of thefirst display region1210 is decreased and a size of thesecond display region1220 is increased. If the boundary is not shifted by the shift of theshift indicator2510, the display region size is not modified.

Referring toFIG. 25C, thecontroller180 receives an input of a first touch and drag action to shift a position of theshift indicator2510 to a second position from a first position inFIG. 25A and receives an input of a second touch and drag action on theshift indicator2510 from the second position (FIG.25C(a)).

After theshift indicator2510 at the second position has been shifted in FIG.25C(a), if thecontroller180 receives an input of a touch and drag action for enabling the first andsecond application indicators1211 and1213 to be included in the shifted region (FIG.25C(b)), thecontroller180 determines whether a first application corresponding to thefirst application indicator1213 and a second application corresponding to thesecond application indicator1211 are supported in the second mode. If thecontroller180 determines that the first and second applications are supported in the second mode, thecontroller180 generates the first and second applications in the second mode and can display first andsecond application indicators1213 and1211 within thesecond display region1220. Thus, if the first and second applications are generated in the second mode, thefirst display region1210 is reduced by a size corresponding to the first andsecond application indicators1213 and1211 while thesecond display region1220 is enlarged.

Referring toFIG. 25D, while theshift indicator2510 is displayed, thecontroller180 can identifiably display theapplication indicators2501 to2503 supported in the second mode among a plurality of application indicators displayed on the first display region (FIG.25D(a)). The application indicator supported in the first mode among the application indicators displayed on the second display region can be identifiably displayed.

If theshift indicator2510 is shifted, thecontroller180 generates fourth and sixth applications respectively corresponding to the fourth andsixth application indicators2502 and2503 supported in the second mode among the application indicators contained in the shifted region and can then display the fourth andsixth application indicators2502 and2503 on the second display region1220 (FIG.25D(b)).

Referring toFIG. 25E, while theshift indicator2510 is displayed, thecontroller180 provides each of the application indicators with a selection box (e.g., a check box), thereby enabling a user to select an indicator of an application to generate in the second mode. In particular, after the second andfourth applications2501 and2502 have been selected in FIG.25E(a), if theshift indicator2510 is shifted, thecontroller180 generates the fourth application corresponding to thefourth application indicator2502 selected from the application indicators contained in the shift region and can display thefourth application indicator2502 on the second display region1220 (FIG.25E(b)).

Also, when receiving an input of a command (hereinafter named a cancel command) for canceling a shift indicator displayed status, the shift indicator may not be displayed. For instance, the cancel command can be input by shaking the terminal shaking, selecting a corresponding menu item or a key zone, inputting a voice command and the like. Moreover, if a touch and drag action for shifting the shift indicator is not input for a predetermined duration in the shift indicator displayed status, the shift indicator may not be displayed.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when downloading a specific application to be executed in a first mode using thewireless communication unit110, thecontroller180 displays an indicator (hereinafter named a normal indicator) of a specific application on a first display region and can display a virtual indicator (hereinafter named a virtual indicator) of a specific application on a second display region, under the control of thecontroller180.

In this instance, the virtual indicator corresponds to a virtual application indicator provided to a second mode to receive an input of an execution command for a specific application without a mode switching despite that the specific application is executed in the first mode. Thus, the virtual indicator provides a shortcut. Thecontroller180 can also identifiably display each of the normal indicator and the virtual indicator. For instance, information (e.g., ‘F’ indicating ‘Fake’) indicating the virtual indicator can be displayed on the virtual indicator.

Moreover, when downloading a specific application to execute in the first mode, thecontroller180 can generate a virtual indicator of a specific application corresponding to each of the rest of at least one or more modes (second mode included) except the first mode and link information on a link to the specific application. In addition, the generated virtual indicator and link information can be stored in thememory160. Alternatively, the virtual indicator and link information of the specific application can be downloaded together with the specific application in the course of downloading the specific application.

For instance, the link information of the specific application includes: (1) identification information of the specific application and mode information on a mode set on the specific application; or (2) position information of the specific application on a web server providing the specific application.

Moreover, at a download start point of the specific application, during the download or after completion of the download, thecontroller180 can determine whether to generate the virtual indicator and the link information or whether to download the virtual indicator and the link information, in accordance with a user selection or a decision made by thecontroller180.

For instance, when the specific application is not supported in the second mode, the virtual indicator and the link information are automatically generated. In another instance, when the specific application is supported in the second mode, thecontroller180 can determine whether to generate the virtual indicator and the link information in accordance with a user selection.

When receiving an input of a selection signal of a virtual indicator of a specific application displayed on a second display region, thecontroller180 activates a first mode using link information (mode information and identification information of the specific application) on the link to the stored specific application and then executes the specific application in the first mode. Alternatively, thecontroller180 accesses an external server using link information (position information of the specific application on a web server) on the link to the stored specific application and then downloads the specific application supported in a second mode. Alternatively, when the specific application is a common application, thecontroller180 brings the common application to the second mode using link information (mode information and identification information of the specific application) on the link to the stored specific application and then executes the common application in the second mode.

This is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In particular,FIGS. 26A to 26C are display screens illustrating displaying a virtual indicator of an application and executing the application using the same according to an embodiment of the present invention. For clarity and convenience of the following description, assume that a third application is designated to be executed in a first mode.

Referring toFIG. 26A, in a multimode screen status, anormal indicator2601 of a third application is displayed within thefirst display region1210 and avirtual indicator2602 of the third application is displayed within a second display region1220 (FIG.26A(a)). In a single mode screen status of a second mode, thevirtual indicator2602 of the third application can be displayed within a second mode screen (FIG.26A(b)). In doing so, a mark (F) for indicating that it is a virtual indicator is contained in thevirtual indicator2602.

Referring toFIG. 26B, when receiving an input of a selection signal of avirtual indicator2602 of a first application displayed on thesecond display region1220, thecontroller180 activates a first mode and then executes the first application in the first mode. In addition, thecontroller180 can display a whole screen (FIG.26B(a)) or an executed screen of the first application on the second display region1220 (FIG.26B(b)). In this instance, the selection signal can contain a command for an execution of the first application.

Referring toFIG. 26C, when receiving an input of a selection signal of avirtual indicator2602 of a first application displayed on thesecond display region1220, thecontroller180 enables a user to select whether to download the first application (FIG.26C(a)). If the user selects to download the first application, thecontroller180 accesses an application providing server, downloads the first application corresponding to the second mode, executes the downloaded first application in the second mode, and can then display an executed screen of the first application within the second display region1220 (FIG.26C(b)). In this instance, the selection signal can contain a command for a download of the first application corresponding to the second mode. Besides, thecontroller180 can display virtual indicators only by sorting them or can display a virtual indicator to be distinguished from a normal indicator.

Accordingly, the present invention provides the following effects and/or advantages. First, when a plurality of modes are implemented, the present invention displays a corresponding mode screen via a plurality of display regions respectively corresponding to a plurality of the modes, whereby a mode screen of each of a plurality of the modes can be provided without performing a mode switching operation.

Second, the present invention generates information corresponding to a prescribed display region in a mode corresponding to a different display region by a touch and drag action, thereby facilitating an inter-mode information shift or information sharing substantially.

In addition, the modes mentioned above can variously include a religion mode, a hobby mode, a school mode and the like per type in addition to a private mode and a business mode. In addition, a plurality of modes can be set for each type. Further, when determining an application executed per mode, thecontroller180 can designate an application in accordance with a user selection. In addition, thecontroller180 can automatically designate an application to a corresponding mode in consideration of a property and type of the corresponding application.

For instance, assuming that a mode field exists in a data structure of an application, thecontroller180 can designate an application to a corresponding mode defined in the mode field. Also, in each of a plurality of modes, a user interface related to at least one of a voice based communication and a text based communication can be provided via thedisplay unit151 under the control of thecontroller180. For instance, the voice based communication includes a voice call, a voice based chatting and the like. In another instance, the text based communication can include a message service, a text based chatting and the like. The user interface is displayed as a virtual key form on a touchscreen or can be provided as a button key form. In addition, the user interface provided in each of a plurality of modes can differ in position, shape, size and the like.

In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments are applicable to a sharing of content/data included in a currently displayed screen or a sharing of an application to which content/data included in a currently displayed screen corresponds as well as the mode screen sharing.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the above-described mode screen display controlling method of the mobile terminal can be implemented in a program recorded medium as computer-readable codes. The computer-readable media include all kinds of recording devices in which data readable by a computer system are stored. The computer-readable media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tapes, floppy discs, optical data storage devices, and the like for example and also include carrier-wave type implementations (e.g., transmission via the Internet). In addition, the computer can include thecontroller180 of the terminal.

The aforementioned embodiments for the mobile terminal and mode switching controlling method therein are achieved by combination of structural elements and features of the present invention in a predetermined type. Each of the structural elements or features should be considered selectively unless specified separately. Each of the structural elements or features may be carried out without being combined with other structural elements or features. Also, some structural elements and/or features may be combined with one another to constitute the embodiments of the present invention.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (18)

What is claimed is:

1. A mobile terminal, comprising:

a communication unit configured to communicate with at least one external terminal;

a memory configured to store at least first and second operating systems including at least first and second modes, respectively; and

a controller configured to display, in a first display region of a display unit of the mobile terminal, a first application indicator corresponding to a first application executable in the first mode using the first operating system and that can be activated by selecting the first application indicator, and to display, in a second display region, a second application indicator corresponding to a second application executable in the second mode using the second operating system and that can be activated by selecting the second application indicator,

wherein the first and second application indicators indicate whether the applications are executable in the first mode or the second mode, or executable in both the first and second modes,

wherein the controller is further configured to receive a selection signal indicating a selecting of the first application indicator in the first display region and a moving of the first application indicator to the second display region, and

wherein the controller is further configured to determine if the first application corresponding to the first application indicator can be executed in the second mode.

2. The mobile terminal ofclaim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to execute the first application in the first mode and display the executing first application in the first region when the first application indicator is selected, and to execute the second application in the second mode and display the executing second application in the second display region when the second application indicator is selected.

3. The mobile terminal ofclaim 1, wherein when the first application can be executed in the second mode, the controller is further configured to move or copy the first application indicator from the first display region to the second display region, and designate the first application as a common application executable in both the first and second modes when the first application indicator is copied to the second display region and to designate the first application as a second mode application executable only in the second mode when the first application indicator is moved to the second display region.

4. The mobile terminal ofclaim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to selectively use data corresponding to the first application when the first application is executed in the second mode based on an authentication procedure.

5. The mobile terminal ofclaim 1, wherein if the first application cannot be executed in the second mode, the controller is further configured to access an external server to retrieve at least one application that is similar to the first application and that can be executed in the second mode.

6. The mobile terminal ofclaim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to distinctively display the first application indicator in the first display region from other application indicators to indicate the first application can be executed in the second mode.

7. The mobile terminal ofclaim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to display a plurality of first mode identification numbers indicating a plurality of first modes, and display a plurality of second mode identification numbers indicating a plurality of second modes, and

wherein the selection signal indicates a selecting and moving of the first application indicator or the second application indicator to one of the first and second mode identification numbers.

8. The mobile terminal ofclaim 1, wherein the first mode corresponds to a private mode of a user using the mobile terminal and the second mode corresponds to a business mode for a business associated with the user.

9. The mobile terminal ofclaim 1, wherein the first and second application indicators include one of a widget and an icon.

10. A method of controlling a mobile terminal, the method comprising: allowing, via a communication unit of the mobile terminal, communication with at least one external terminal;

storing, in a memory of the mobile terminal, at least first and second operating systems including at least first and second modes, respectively;

displaying in a first display region of a display unit of the mobile terminal a first application indicator corresponding to a first application executable in the first mode using the first operating system and that can be activated by selecting the first application indicator;

displaying in a second display region of the display unit, a second application indicator corresponding to a second application executable in the second mode using the second operating system and that can be activated by selecting the second application indicator;

receiving a selection signal indicating a selecting of the first application indicator in the first display region and a moving of the first application indicator to the second display region; and

determining, via the controller, if the first application corresponding to the first application indicator can be executed in the second mode,

wherein the first and second application indicators indicate whether the applications are executable in the first mode or the second mode, or executable in both the first and second modes.

11. The method ofclaim 10, further comprising:

executing, via a controller of the mobile terminal, the first application in the first mode and displaying the executing first application in the first region when the first application indicator is selected; and

executing, via the controller, the second application in the second mode and display the executing second application in the second display region when the second application indicator is selected.

12. The method ofclaim 10, wherein when the first application can be executed in the second mode, the method further comprises:

moving or copying the first application indicator from the first display region to the second display region;

designating the first application as a common application executable in both the first and second modes when the first application indicator is copied to the second display region; and

designating the first application as a second mode application executable only in the second mode when the first application indicator is moved to the second display region.

13. The method ofclaim 10, further comprising: selectively using data corresponding to the first application when the first application is executed in the second mode based on an authentication procedure.

14. The method ofclaim 10, wherein if the first application cannot be executed in the second mode, the method further comprises:

access, via the communication unit, an external server to retrieve at least one application that is similar to the first application and that can be executed in the second mode.

15. The method ofclaim 10, further comprising:

distinctively displaying the first application indicator in the first display region from other application indicators to indicate the first application can be executed in the second mode.

16. The method ofclaim 10, further comprising:

displaying a plurality of first mode identification numbers indicating a plurality of first modes; and

displaying a plurality of second mode identification numbers indicating a plurality of second modes,

wherein the selection signal indicates a selecting and moving of the first application indicator or the second application indicator to one of the first and second mode identification numbers.

17. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the first mode corresponds to a private mode of a user using the mobile terminal and the second mode corresponds to a business mode for a business associated with the user.

18. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the first and second application indicators include one of a widget and an icon.

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